Liverpool go into tomorrow's Premier League game against Middlesbrough boosted by crucial peace talks at the club. The manager Rafa Benitez and Rick Parry, the chief executive, have had a clear-the-air meeting to resolve issues which have affected their relationship. The main one was Liverpool's reluctance to bankroll an £18 million (Dh124m) deal for Gareth Barry. Benitez has been promised funds, with Albert Riera and Stewart Downing now other targets. Benitez said: "It was a positive discussion and we will now move forward together."
Sunderland, who the Reds beat last Saturday, have moved for Fulham's Northern Ireland striker, David Healy after also agreeing a season-long loan for former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse from Marseille. Blackburn, who take on Hull at home, could also sell Benni McCarthy to Sunderland as they look to take Nicola Zigic from Valencia on loan. Juventus midfielder Tiago, once of Chelsea, says he does not want to join Everton, who travel to West Brom.
Manchester City missed out on signing Cisse, but have had a bid accepted for Hamburg's Belgian centre-back Vincent Kompany. @Email:akhan@thenational.ae
