Press review

Here you can read the most interesting English articles about the 'Magic Magyar'.

Zoltan Gera admits he was aware of reports linking him with a pre-transfer deadline move to Liverpool, but insists he did not take the claims too seriously.

The Hungarian international has proved a revelation since his switch to West Brom and his performances last term attracted interest from a host of Premiership clubs.

He has been linked with the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa, although The Baggies have remained insistent the 26-year-old is going nowhere.

Reports in his native Hungary suggested that Liverpool, who have been desperately chasing a right-sided midfielder, were preparing a last-gasp bid to lure him from The Hawthorns before Wednesday's deadline.

The claims ultimately proved unfounded, and although Gera was not surprised by this, he concedes he was hugely flattered to be mooted as a target for the reigning European champions.

"My day (on Wednesday) started well, one of my friends wanted to congratulate me, but I asked the reason why," he explained to Nemzeti Sport.

"He told me: 'Gerzson [Gera's Hungarian nickname], I heard that you'll be joining Liverpool'. I just listened, I couldn't believe what he was talking about.

"I wasn't joking because I really hadn't heard about the interest of Liverpool.

"I am always cautious about this kind of news, it would be hard to number the amount of clubs I've been linked with.

"It has been said I was to become a player of Tottenham and Aston Villa, and now it looks like I can add to that list.

"I have now found out that the news came from England, but one must reflect gingerly on a situation like this."

Although somewhat sceptical, Gera continued: "Of course I would be happy to play for Liverpool - it would be amazing.

"To wear the shirt of the Champions League winner - it's more than I've ever dreamt of.

"But I don't want to think about it too much and I don't have time to because we (Hungary) have two important World Cup qualification games.

"All I care about is beating Malta and Sweden."

Mark Kendall
2 September 2005

(SkySports.com)