Gerrard 'set to quit Liverpool' - Reports
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is reported to be on the brink of
leaving the club.
The 25-year-old England midfielder is said to have had a
training-ground row with manager Rafael Benitez, opening up the
possibility of a big-money move to Chelsea or Real Madrid.
It follows widespread reports claiming Gerrard feels he is being
forced out of the club because Reds chief executive Rick Parry has
failed to open contract negotiations as quickly as he hoped.
Gerrard indicated his desire to stay at Anfield in the immediate
aftermath of Liverpool's stunning European Cup triumph over AC
Milan in May and thought the issue would be dealt with almost
instantly.
Instead, just nine days away from Benitez's men beginning the
defence of their trophy against Welsh minnows Total Network
Solutions, Gerrard looks further away than ever from agreeing a new
deal.
The influential midfielder has two years remaining on his contract
and Parry knows unless his future is resolved one way or another
this summer, his vast market value will begin to plummet.
Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton yesterday insisted the Merseyside
giants do not want to lose their talisman.
'Our position is very clear,' he said. 'We want Gerrard to stay at
the club.'
Gerrard has received no improved pay offer from Liverpool and no
more talks are planned, according to The Sun, who report Gerrard
had a stand-up row with Benitez on Saturday.
The Daily Mirror reports Gerrard has broken off all contract talks
and also claims an 'angry exchange' between the player and his
manager at Melwood training ground.
Chelsea will now launch a British transfer record bid in excess of
£30million for Gerrard, according to the Daily Star, while the
Daily Express report Gerrard's patience snapped as the Anfield club
dragged their feet over a new deal.
The Daily Mail also say Gerrard's long association with Liverpool
is drawing to a close and that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has
been alerted.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=336516&cc=4716
Your call....? I rather he join Real Madrid than Chelsea.....scarly
one day, Stevie G step on Liverpool's foot....
