Fresh Gerrard doubts as contract talks stall Jul 4 2005
This version I AM understandingQ - "What do you make of the Stevie G saga? " A- "I am not a Liverpool fan." "From what I have read, this has largely been a stitch-up by SFX (although some of the...
By Richard Williamson Daily Post Sports Editor
STEVEN GERRARD'S Liverpool future was left hanging in the balance last night after talks over a new contract stalled.
The inspirational Anfield captain and his advisers SFX have withdrawn from further discussions after an initial meeting to explore the possibilities for an extension to Gerrard's present agreement, which has two years to run, failed to produce an immediate response.
That has heightened fears in the Gerrard camp that the delays in delivering a formal offer could spell an end to his buttociation with the team he skippered to success in the Champions League final in Istanbul just over five weeks ago.
However Liverpool insist they are determined to keep hold of the England midfielder, although any more delays will only serve to fuel further speculation over the future of the 25-year-old.
Weekend reports suggested Gerrard feels he is being forced out of the club because they have not responded to his request to resolve his new deal sooner rather than later. Gerrard was keen for matters to be sorted out before the new campaign gets underway and is understood to be losing patience over the slow progress.
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A meeting with his representative Struan Marshall and Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry was held last Wednesday, with both sides describing it as "constructive".
But the lack of a concrete proposition arising out of that get-together has re-ignited concerns that Gerrard has played his last game for the club.
Gerrard indicated his desire to stay at Anfield in the immediate aftermath of Liverpool's stunning final triumph over AC Milan in May and thought the issue would be dealt with almost instantly.
Instead, just 10 days away from Rafael Benitez's men beginning the defence of their trophy against Welsh minnows Total Network Solutions, Gerrard is no nearer agreeing a new deal.
But a speedy resolution also suits Liverpool, who would see his substantial market value begin to tumble if matters drag on, and a positive response could be enough to repair the damaging rift between the two parties.
Chelsea and Real Madrid are both monitoring developments, with the new Premiership champions ready to mount a recordbreaking £30million bid for the player.
Gerrard 'set to go after bust-up' Jul 4 2005
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 on Sunday 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."
Reds intent on keeping Gerrard Jul 3 2005
CHAMPIONS League winners Liverpool remain determined to keep skipper Steven Gerrard at Anfield.
Widespread reports have surfaced 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. Chelsea and Real Madrid are both rumoured to be monitoring developments, although Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton insists 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."
As a lifelong Liverpool fan, Gerrard would be reluctant to leave Anfield, although he does know he could probably land a more lucrative contract elsewhere such would be the demand for his services.
With seemingly no end to the impbutte in sight, it will be interesting to see whether Benitez selects Gerrard for the first leg of the TNS clash.
Even though the Spaniard knows his side should comfortably see off the Welsh champions with or without their captain, Gerrard's absence would almost certainly be interpreted as an attempt to retain his current £30million value by not getting him cup-tied.
There is some better news for Liverpool fans with the arrival of out of contract Dutchman Boudewijn Zenden from Middlesbrough.
The former Chelsea star was an influential figure in Boro securing a UEFA Cup spot last term and has been targeted by Benitez as a replacement for Vladimir Smicer.
