Liverpool Transfer News: Craig Bellamy to Return to Anfield on Free Transfer?

After a lot of rumors in the last couple of days, the future of Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy seems close to being sorted.

As per The Times' Ben Smith:

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"Bellamy has been given a free transfer by #MCFC. If/when he agrees payoff he will return to #LFC"

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As things stand, all that remains to be done for the 32-year-old to secure a move back to Anfield is agree to a payoff. Considering his age, he should know that such a move cannot be bettered.

However, the move may yet be delayed due to negotiations relating to Bellamy's proposed wages, which are about £95,000 per week.

Considering his return to Liverpool would be in a reserve striker role to enhance the squad's depth, such wages might not be possible. However, considering he has almost no chance of playing regular football anywhere else, Bellamy may have to ultimately agree to the move.

The Welshman was previously bought by former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez from Blackburn Rovers. However, after a brawl with teammate John Arne Riise, 27 appearances, 7 goals and a need to fund the price of Fernando Torres, he was sold to West Ham for a profit.

Last season, Manchester City loaned Bellamy to Cardiff City. He created the maximum number of assists for the Championship club, in addition to scoring 11 goals. However, injury kept him out of the playoffs and Cardiff ultimately lost out twice in successive years.

Given Liverpool's current squad, which has been built after a net spending in excess of £50 million, the squad lacks just a dependable backup striker. With David N'gog now looking to join Bolton, the Wales international could be a real deal.

Even though there have been instances where the former Newcastle forward has shown issues with temperament, his pace and obvious knack for scoring goals could make him a more than decent backup striker for the Reds under the able management of the legendary Kenny Dalglish.

Bellamy has scored over 150 goals in his entire career, spanning across both the English (143) and Scottish (9) leagues.