Americans Abroad

Blackburn seriously looking at Reyna as possible acquisition.

By Robert Wagman
SoccerTimes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, July 18, 2003) -- Blackburn Rovers manager Graeme Souness says he is "in the market" for a player, preferably a midfielder, and if things can be worked out he would like to obtain United States captain and midfielder Claudio Reyna for his English Premier League club.

Reyna and Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League to the First Division after last season. Looking at reduction of revenue, estimated at as much as $15 million, from decreased attendance and reduced television fees because of the demotion, Sunderland has been shopping many of its players, including Reyna.

"I've known Claudio for many years," Souness said this afternoon after a practice at American University for Wednesday's exhibition against Major League Soccer's D.C. United. "I had an opportunity to acquire him when I was at Benfica (Portugal) before he went to (Glasgow) Rangers, but it didn't work out. He is a quality player and would fit in well with us."

Still, Souness would need to be reassured that Reyna's surgically repaired left knee, which kept him out for most of last season, is sound. "He had a very serious injury," the Scot said. "I've heard that he is progressing nicely. I'm going up to Boston tomorrow to see him play for the U.S. and to talk with him. We'll have to see how things progress."

Souness also said that Rovers' making an offer for Reyna is, contrary to what is being written in England, not dependent on Blackburn completing a deal that would send Irish international Damien Duff to Chelsea for a reported $28 million transfer fee. Duff was at the airport, ready to travel with Rovers for Wednesday's exhibition, but was sent home, reportedly to take a physical and to negotiate a contract with Chelsea.

Blackburn had turned down three previous bids for the 24-year-old from Chelsea, but the current offer apparently is good enough to make the transfer happen.

"It doesn't depend on whether Duff goes or stays with us for the coming season," Souness said. "I'm in the market. I have had four field players leave and only three players arrive. So I would like one more midfielder."

Duff is a wing midfielder, so he could play beside Reyna.

"I don't know what is going to happen," Reyna recently told SoccerTimes. "I am ready to play for Sunderland this coming season and try to help them to get back to the Premiership. But I understand their financial situation and their need to raise cash, so I assume everyone is for sale. I'll just wait and see."

"I think Claudio would fit in well here," said U.S. and Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel who is in the U.S. on this trip. "He's a class player with a lot of skill."

Asked whether he thought Reyna could start for Rovers who have added several midfielders in the offseason, Friedel said "Yes, he could. We have a number of very good young players in the midfield and there would be a lot of competition, but Claudio brings a lot of top level experience and confidence."

Friedel was named the best keeper in the Premier League last season and has a long-term contract with Rovers.

"He is quite simply the best keeper in England," Souness said. "I worried that (Manchester United) or Arsenal would come along with some kind of giant offer for him, but they haven't. So, I guess, barring that happening in the next few weeks, he's with us and that is a big relief."

Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent and can be e-mailed at bob@soccertimes.com.