RIFT OF THE GAB
RIVALS ON CRASH COURSE United put block on Rafa's bid for Heinze
Simon Mullock 15/07/2007
ARCH-rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are on a collision course over Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze.
Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that United are attempting to block Heinze in his wish to switch from Old Trafford to Anfield - even though the Merseysiders have agreed to pay the £6million asking price.
Now Liverpool are looking to the 29-year-old to force the issue with Sir Alex Ferguson - in the knowledge that Heinze can still be bought out of the remaining two years of his contract.
A source at Liverpool said: "United cannot say no to our offer if we meet the contractual requirement."
But Ferguson is desperate to keep the full-back out of Rafa Benitez's clutches - and is hoping for Real Madrid or Juventus to firm up their interest with a bid.
The United boss initially told Heinze's advisers the player would be allowed to go to any club willing to match United's valuation. But the Scot was stunned when Liverpool made their move.
Heinze's advisers have made it clear in talks with Anfield officials that the Argentine wants to become the first player in 43 years to cross the great divide between the two north-west adversaries.
That has forced United into reassessing their options.
Talks between Liverpool and United are continuing, but the lack of progress means Heinze will need to take a more forceful stance with Ferguson if he is to become the first man since Phil Chisnall in 1964 to move between the two clubs.
That is likely to mean becoming the first Premiership player to be bought out of his contract under controversial FIFA guidelines.
Ironically, United have turned to Liverpool in their efforts to secure Carlos Tevez.
The Old Trafford club are being advised by Liverpool's legal team as they attempt to seal the Argentine's move to Old Trafford despite the dispute involving West Ham and agent Kia Joorabchian over ownership of the striker.
Liverpool were able to secure the services of Javier Mascherano from the Hammers last season on an 18-month loan despite Joorabchian's ownership of the player.
And United's need for transparency as they look to land Tevez under a similar arrangement has seen them ask their rivals for guidance.
Liverpool have been happy to oblige because professional relations between the two clubs have always been cordial.
But that has not thawed United's stance over Heinze, who will decide his future after playing for Argentina against Brazil in tonight's Copa America Final in Venezuela.
Heinze became a cult hero when he joined United in a £6.9m deal from Paris St Germain almost three years ago.
And even though he knows a switch to Liverpool would alienate United's fans, the defender has indicated his desire to move to the other end of the East Lancs Road.
RIVALS ON CRASH COURSE United put block on Rafa's bid for Heinze
Simon Mullock 15/07/2007
ARCH-rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are on a collision course over Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze.
Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that United are attempting to block Heinze in his wish to switch from Old Trafford to Anfield - even though the Merseysiders have agreed to pay the £6million asking price.
Now Liverpool are looking to the 29-year-old to force the issue with Sir Alex Ferguson - in the knowledge that Heinze can still be bought out of the remaining two years of his contract.
A source at Liverpool said: "United cannot say no to our offer if we meet the contractual requirement."
But Ferguson is desperate to keep the full-back out of Rafa Benitez's clutches - and is hoping for Real Madrid or Juventus to firm up their interest with a bid.
The United boss initially told Heinze's advisers the player would be allowed to go to any club willing to match United's valuation. But the Scot was stunned when Liverpool made their move.
Heinze's advisers have made it clear in talks with Anfield officials that the Argentine wants to become the first player in 43 years to cross the great divide between the two north-west adversaries.
That has forced United into reassessing their options.
Talks between Liverpool and United are continuing, but the lack of progress means Heinze will need to take a more forceful stance with Ferguson if he is to become the first man since Phil Chisnall in 1964 to move between the two clubs.
That is likely to mean becoming the first Premiership player to be bought out of his contract under controversial FIFA guidelines.
Ironically, United have turned to Liverpool in their efforts to secure Carlos Tevez.
The Old Trafford club are being advised by Liverpool's legal team as they attempt to seal the Argentine's move to Old Trafford despite the dispute involving West Ham and agent Kia Joorabchian over ownership of the striker.
Liverpool were able to secure the services of Javier Mascherano from the Hammers last season on an 18-month loan despite Joorabchian's ownership of the player.
And United's need for transparency as they look to land Tevez under a similar arrangement has seen them ask their rivals for guidance.
Liverpool have been happy to oblige because professional relations between the two clubs have always been cordial.
But that has not thawed United's stance over Heinze, who will decide his future after playing for Argentina against Brazil in tonight's Copa America Final in Venezuela.
Heinze became a cult hero when he joined United in a £6.9m deal from Paris St Germain almost three years ago.
And even though he knows a switch to Liverpool would alienate United's fans, the defender has indicated his desire to move to the other end of the East Lancs Road.
Not bad for you.
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