Source: Daily_Mail
Jose Enrique seals £6m move to Liverpool from Newcastle
Liverpool have completed the signing of Newcastle defender of Jose Enrique for ?6m on a long-term deal.[LNB]The Spaniard's future at Newcastle had been in doubt ever since the club sold Andy Carroll to Liverpool for ?35m in the January transfer window and, with one year left on his contract, the Toon have decided to cash in.[LNB]Enrique becomes the Reds' fifth major signing of the summer following the signatures of Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Brazilian goalkeeper Alexander Doni.[LNB] Joy: Jose Enrique undergoes his medical at Liverpool[LNB]The left-back said: 'This is one of the happiest days of my life. I have come to one of the biggest clubs not just in England, but in the world. I am really, really happy.'[LNB]'They have won a lot of things including the Champions League. They have amazing players and I hope to win things here.[LNB]'Of course I am looking forward to playing in front of the Kop. Everybody speaks about the fans here and they are amazing. I am looking forward to it. I hope it will be this weekend, but if not I can wait.'[LNB]He added: 'Damien Comolli told me it is an amazing club. In Spain there is a saying, "When the train comes in, you have to take it."[LNB] Out of Toon: Enrique refused to sign a new contract at Newcastle[LNB] 'This is the first time a big club has come in for me and I had to take it (the opportunity). I am really happy.'[LNB]Enrique was one of Newcastle's shining lights last season, making 36 Premier League appearances as Alan Pardew's men finished 12th.[LNB]His fine form even went so far as to spark suggestions of a call-up to the Spanish national squad.[LNB]While a first cap never materialised, Enrique will be hoping a switch to Liverpool will boost his chances after the Merseyside club's considerable outlay on new players this summer.[LNB]The 25-year-old said: 'I am excited by the new signings - it shows Liverpool's ambition.[LNB]'They spent a lot of money in January on Andy (Carroll) and Luis Suarez, and this summer they've spent a lot of money on other players.[LNB]'You can see they have big ambitions and that's why I came here - because I want to win things and I think I can do that here.'[LNB]Enrique joins Liverpool a little more than 24 hours ahead of their Premier League season opener against Sunderland.[LNB]However, the defender is ready to be called upon whenever Reds boss Kenny Dalglish sees fit.[LNB] Team-mates: Enrique in action against new team-mate Dirk Kuyt last season[LNB]'If the manager needs me, I am ready to play,' said Enrique. 'I have already played for Newcastle in pre-season, not every game but two or three games and I am fit and if the manager needs me, I am ready to play.[LNB]'My ambition is win everything with Liverpool. This year we won't play in the Champions League, so the most important thing is to try and win the league.'[LNB]Finding a replacement for Enrique is now top priority for the Toon, with PSV's Erik Pieters their main target.[LNB] Toon target: Erik Pieters (left) is being lined up by Newcastle[LNB]However, Pieters has revealed nothing is imminent following his withdrawal from the Holland squad after the death of his grandmother.[LNB]Pieters said: 'I am not focused on football right now, only my family counts.[LNB]'Moreover, there must first be serious discussions with Newcastle and PSV must be willing to let me go.'[LNB]Toon boss Alan Pardew said: 'Jose was in the last year of his contract and he made it clear he did not really have any motivation to re-sign here. [LNB]'He has the move he wanted and we have to move on and we will.'[LNB] Xis-go: Newcastle's Spanish flop is heading out on loan again[LNB]Meanwhile, Newcastle have let another Spaniard leave with flop Xisco rejoining former club Deportivo on a season-long loan deal.[LNB]The 25-year-old, who joined the Magpies from Deportivo during the summer of 2008, spent the second half of last season on loan with his former club, but could not prevent them from being relegated from La Liga.[LNB]Xisco, whose arrival proved one of the main factors in Kevin Keegan's departure as manager at St James' Park, scored on his debut against Hull, but has made just 11 senior appearances for the club since and has also had a spell on loan at Racing Santander.[LNB] Enrique travels to Liverpool for medical ahead of ?6m switch as Toon close on PietersNEWCASTLE v Arsenal: Ben Arfa sidelined as Pardew decides on Barton LIVERPOOL v Sunderland: Suarez in contention for Black Cats clashLiverpool v SUNDERLAND: No O'Shea as Bruce takes Black Cats to Anfield[LNB]
