Liverpool FC Forum

Schalke have officially pulled out of the race to sign Milan Baros, paving the way for the Czech Republic international to move to the mystery club discussing a transfer with Liverpool.

Aston Villa and West Ham are both keen on the talented striker and Liverpool have made it clear that they will not entertain the prospect of loaning out the 23-year-old.

A straight cash deal is being negotiated as Baros's future is set to be decided within a matter of days.

Schalke had agreed personal terms with Baros but finally learned, rather unsurprisingly, that Liverpool were not prepared to farm out the player on a temporary basis.

"The club only want to sell the player and is not interested in a loan move," admitted Royal Blues managing director Rudi Assauer on the club's official website after a telephone conference with Liverpool officials.

"But we can't afford the €8 million or €10 million; that's impossible and, therefore, Milan Baros won't join Schalke 04."

Schalke landed Danish striker Soren Larsen from Djurgardens over the weekend but coach Ralf Rangnick had hoped that Baros's arrival would strengthen his squad.

After selling controversial Brazilian forward Ailton to Turkish giants Besiktas, Rangnick will now have to settle with the four strikers at his disposal as he has Larsen, Kevin Kuranyi, Gerald Asamoah and Danish veteran Ebbe Sand in his squad.

"I don't think that Schalke is his only option," commented agent Pavel Paska on Monday to MF Dnes.

"Liverpool will now have the key. It is a question of hours or a few days.

"It will be decided soon. It's nonsense [to say he will leave on loan]."

Benitez refused to rule Luis Figo out of his plans after weeks of transfer speculation.

The Reds boss said: "`He is still training with Real Madrid and that means he is available.

"As for Milan Baros, he is still our player. Some clubs are interested in the player but we have never said we are unhappy with Milan and have not said that we want to sell him.

"We have good strikers here, (Fernando) Morientes, (Djibril) Cisse, Crouch, (Anthony) Le Tallec, (Neil) Mellor, (Florent) Sinama-Pongolle and Baros. The aim is to use them all in all of the competitions.

"As for a centre half, we are looking in England and abroad, but it is not easy because many other clubs are looking for a central defender.

"But we have a youngster, Zak Whitbread, training with the squad and that will continue while we look to strengthen our squad.

"We still have plenty of time to look around, it is not important that we sign people in the next few days."

Djimi Traore, Harry Kewell, Mellor and Sinama-Pongolle are all still injured and missing from the squad to face Kaunas.

Steve Finnan, who missed last week’s first leg with sickness, should return.

wella amigo ,if they do playo ill let you knowa,

Barosa aint gonna know whereo!