160: Continuation of the winning streak

"Please come in."

It was Sarah, the secretary, who pushed the door open, her expression a little strange.

"Boss, a guest wants to see you."

"A guest?"

Lin Feng turned around.

"What kind of guest would come at this time?"

"It's the chief scout of Liverpool Football Club, sir."

Sarah's voice was a little nervous.

"He said he has an important matter to discuss with you."

Lin Feng and Richard exchanged glances.

Liverpool?

The timing was too much of a coincidence.

They had just finished discussing the issue of scouts observing players, and now a representative from Liverpool was knocking on their door.

"Let him in."

Lin Feng sat back down at his desk.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged English man in his fifties walked into the office.

He was of medium build, dressed in a dark suit, and had a polite and professional demeanor.

"Mr. Lin, it's an honor to meet you."

He extended his hand proactively.

"I am John Parker, chief scout of Liverpool Football Club."

"Mr. Parker, please have a seat."

Lin Feng politely shook his hand, but he was already on alert.

Liverpool sending their chief scout at this time would definitely not be a simple courtesy visit.

"May I ask what important matter brings you here today?"

Parker sat on the sofa, a professional smile on his face.

"Mr. Lin, we greatly admire your club's performance."

"Eleven consecutive wins, that's an incredible achievement in English football."

Lin Feng was not swayed by these pleasantries.

"Thank you for your praise, Mr. Parker. But I imagine you didn't just come today to congratulate us on our victory, did you?"

Parker was slightly taken aback, evidently not expecting Lin Feng to be so direct.

"Indeed, Mr. Lin."

He cleared his throat.

"We are very interested in one of your club's players."

"Jordan Henderson, his performance today left a deep impression on us."

Lin Feng's expression remained unchanged, but his nerves were taut.

As expected, they came for Henderson.

"Henderson is indeed an excellent player."

His tone was calm, without a ripple.

"However, I believe Liverpool should know that our club currently has no plans to sell any key players."

"Of course, of course."

Parker quickly waved his hand.

"We completely understand your club's position."

"But, if possible, we hope to bring this Merseyside talent back home during the winter transfer window."

He paused, a shrewd glint in his eyes.

"Of course, we are willing to pay a corresponding price for this."

Lin Feng leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk.

He was very familiar with this rhythm; it was a negotiation tactic commonly used by big clubs.

First, polite probing, then an emotional appeal, and finally, the true bottom line.

"Mr. Parker, what exactly is the price you just mentioned?"

Hearing Lin Feng's question, the smile on Parker's face grew even brighter.

"We are willing to offer a considerable transfer fee; the specific amount can be discussed in detail."

"In addition to that, we have a special proposal."

He took a document from his briefcase.

"Your club's current loaned goalkeeper, Scott Carson, has been performing well."

"If this deal can be reached, we are willing to fully transfer Carson's ownership to your club."

"This way, your club can permanently own an excellent goalkeeper without worrying about the loan expiring."

Lin Feng took the document and quickly scanned it.

This was indeed a well-designed plan.

Liverpool had clearly done their homework; they knew Hartlepool United's reliance on Carson and the instability of a loan agreement.

Using a player valuable to Hartlepool United as a sweetener in the deal to entice the club to loosen its stance on the transfer of a core player.

This was a typical "open conspiracy" of a big club.

They clearly knew what you needed, and used it as a bargaining chip, making it difficult for you to refuse.

But Lin Feng was not so easily swayed.

He put down the document and looked at Parker with a smile.

"Mr. Parker, first of all, thank you for Liverpool's recognition of our players."

"But I must clearly tell you that Jordan Henderson is not for sale."

"His future is in the North, in Hartlepool, not Anfield."

Parker's expression instantly stiffened.

"Mr. Lin, perhaps you need more time to consider this proposal..."

"No need."

Lin Feng interrupted him.

"As for Carson, we appreciate his contributions, but we believe more in the goalkeepers we cultivate ourselves."

"Kasper Schmeichel's potential is greater than Carson's, I am very sure of that."

These words completely surprised Parker.

He had originally thought this young club owner would be intimidated by Liverpool's reputation, and at least show an attitude of consideration.

He didn't expect the other party to refuse so decisively and thoroughly.

"However, if Liverpool is interested in our other young players..."

Lin Feng changed the subject, a sly smile appearing on his face.

"For example, Tom Ince, perhaps we can talk."

"Of course, his contract has a five million pound release clause."

This sentence almost made Parker jump off the sofa.

Five million pounds?

A League One substitute player?

This was an outrageous demand!

And Lin Feng actually proactively recommended Ince, which made him even more confused.

Although Ince had good talent, he could only play as a substitute at Hartlepool United, so how could he be worth five million pounds?

"Mr. Lin, I don't think we have much interest in Ince..."

"That's a pity then."

Lin Feng stood up, clearly indicating it was time for the guest to leave.

"Thank you for your visit today, Mr. Parker."

"If Liverpool changes its mind, you are always welcome to contact us again."

Parker could only awkwardly gather his documents, preparing to leave.

He didn't expect this negotiation to be so unsuccessful, even a complete failure.

"Mr. Lin, I hope you can reconsider our proposal carefully."

He made a final effort.

"Liverpool's platform is a huge temptation for any young player."

"Perhaps you should ask Henderson himself for his opinion."

Lin Feng's eyes instantly sharpened.

Was this an insinuation that he should contact Henderson privately?

"Mr. Parker, I think you've misunderstood something."

His tone became serious.

"At Hartlepool United, any decision regarding player transfers will go through the club's official procedures."

"If Liverpool is truly sincere, please make an offer through proper channels."

"We will not tolerate private contact with players."

These words made Parker blush.

He knew his previous insinuation was too obvious and had crossed the other party's bottom line.

"I apologize, Mr. Lin, I didn't mean that."

He quickly clarified.

"I just think the player's own thoughts are also very important."

"The player's thoughts are certainly important, but on the premise of being within legal and compliant boundaries."

Lin Feng walked to the door and opened the office door.

"Thank you again for your visit, Mr. Parker."

Parker could only leave dejectedly; this visit could be said to have been a complete rebuff.

He had originally thought that with Liverpool's reputation and a carefully designed plan, he could at least get the other party to budge.

He didn't expect this young Chinese owner to be so tough, and to know the value of his club's youth academy products inside and out.

Five million pounds for Ince?

This was practically mocking Liverpool's discernment.

After seeing Parker off, Lin Feng immediately summoned Richard Arnold.

"Arrange immediately to accelerate contract renewal negotiations with core players."

"Henderson, Vardy, Walker, Sigurdsson, all key players' contracts need to be revised."

Richard nodded vigorously.

"What are the specific revisions, boss?"

"Significantly increase the release clauses!"

Lin Feng's tone was firm and forceful.

"I want to use written contracts to build a wall around our treasures that no big club can easily cross."

"Henderson's release clause will be increased to twenty million pounds, Vardy's to fifteen million, Walker's to ten million."

"At the same time, increase their salaries accordingly, to let them know the club values them."

Richard quickly recorded these figures.

These release clauses were indeed ridiculously high for League One players, but considering their potential and future value, they seemed very reasonable.

"Additionally, have the scouting department accelerate contact with Lallana and Clyne."

Lin Feng continued.

"Since someone wants to poach our players, then we will first strengthen our own capabilities."

"Tell Southampton and Crystal Palace that our offer will not be lower than the market price."

Just then, the office phone rang.

Sarah's voice came through the receiver: "Boss, Jordan Henderson wants to see you, he says he has something important to discuss."

Lin Feng and Richard exchanged glances.

It seemed the news of Liverpool's visit had already reached the players' ears.

"Let him in."