Liverpool's raging summer of transfers

It's been a while since Liverpool (albeit as a sideshow to Cristiano Ronaldo) has featured so centrally in summer transfer talk. There's the ongoing Gareth Barry war with Aston Villa -- O'Neill's financial (wants GBP 16M for Gaz Baz) and verbal backlash against Rafa's attempts to prise away his star player and the Liverpool boss' reflexive (and dare I say, over-the top) inflation of his own players' values: Scott Carson is now worth over GBP 10M and Peter Crouch is at GBP 15M. This is on top of the GBP 16M Benitez has earmarked for Xabi Alonso's potential move to Juventus (which would be a good bit of business for Liverpool :-)). And who knows how much Rafa wants for John Arne Riise, who's likely headed out as well.

There's also talk of Chelsea F.C. (established ca. 2004) coveting Fernando 'the lad from sunny Spain' Torres with a potential bid of GBP 50M. Insanity! And Madness! Plus Calamity! I swear, if Rafa accepts Chelsea's overtures I am going to start clamoring for his head too! Bring in RIjkaard already! :-)

In terms of incoming players, Liverpool have already brought Swiss international defender Philipp Degen onboard and are rumored to be targeting Italian youngster Andrea Dossena.

I'll admit this as a footnote: although it is exciting to see my Reds linked with world-class players, I am somewhat wistful for days of stability and tangible, continued identity within the team.