• Premier League

Adam can be the new Xabi Alonso - Holloway

ESPN staff
January 24, 2011
Ian Holloway feels Charlie Adam has the range of passing of Xabi Alonso © PA Photos
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Ian Holloway believes Charlie Adam could be the man Liverpool need to fill the void left by Xabi Alonso's departure but has called on the Reds to make an offer that matches Blackpool's valuation of the player.

Blackpool have rejected a string of bids for the midfielder, with Holloway unhappy with the latest gambit of £4 million from the Anfield club. The Seasiders boss has maintained he will not stand in the player's way if the right offer comes in and he feels Liverpool would benefit from digging deep, as he has compared Adam favourably with Spain star Alonso.

Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid in 2009 and he has been sorely missed. Holloway feels the Reds have not yet replaced Alonso and claims Adam could be that man.

"I think they are mad not to actually buy him off us," Holloway said. "I think he could replace Xabi Alonso, which they have not done yet with the greatest respect. Meireles is a good player but they have not got that passer. Charlie is the man.

"If I was Liverpool manager, I would have bought him already as I rate him that highly."

Commenting on Liverpool's latest offer, Holloway said: "I expected it as Liverpool are a massive club, but until they come up with an offer that we are accepting - then there is no story. He can't dictate, he has got too long a contract.

"£4 million is not acceptable to us. Damien Comolli [Liverpool's director of football strategy] rang my chairman last night, faffing about. My chairman said he did not make any sense. You either make an offer that is acceptable or you go away.

"He has got this year and next year on his contract and we won't be accepting that offer. It is either put up or shut up."

Holloway can understand Adam's desperation to leave, but insists the club want to secure the best price for the former Rangers man.

He said: "If I was him I would want to play for Liverpool, but I was not good enough. I think he will be brilliant for them. But I obviously rate him higher than anyone else. I would not sell my house to someone who likes it, not unless they offer the money I think it is worth."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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