Winger hints club ready to sell

Atletico Madrid midfielder Simao Sabrosa has hinted that he could be set to leave the Vicente Calderon this summer after rumours circulated that club officials were looking to cash in on the winger.

The 30-year-old Portuguese international has been heavily linked with Liverpool in the recent past and is now being tipped to follow Maxi Rodriguez and Fernando Torres in swapping Los Colchoneros for the Reds.

Simao featured for Atletico in their win over Liverpool in the Europa League semi-final before helping Quique Flores' team to victory over Fulham in the Hamburg final. With stints at Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona and Benfica on his CV, as well as nearly 80 caps for his national side, the wideman certainly has the requisite quality to succeed in the Premier League and could be the perfect replacement for Spaniard Albert Riera who seems destined to leave Anfield.

Liverpool's transfer policy appears to centre on retaining top stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres while selling under-performing squad players and re-directing the funds towards new faces. It is believed that Simao could cost upwards of £8 million.

Speaking about his future and the speculation doing the rounds in the Spanish press, Simao hinted that he was set for pastures new.

"Nobody has spoken with me in the last days about this subject.

"I only say that some people in Madrid have suggested that Atletico are preparing my sale, but I don't know too much.

"I have always been interested in playing in the Premier League, but my head is in the World Cup  and I have a deal with Atletico."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.