The Guardian newspaper is reporting that Chelsea have tabled a British-record bid of £32m for disaffected Liverpool talisman Steven Gerrard, leaving the England midfielder facing the biggest dilemma of his career.
Apparently Gerrard has broken off all negotiations with Liverpool over a new contract and the Merseyside club are said to be privately pessimistic about their prospects of persuading him to stay.
If we don’t get Gerrard to sign this summer, under the current circumstances, then we can forget about ever signing him — although this depends on the accurateness of today’s newspaper reports, of course.
Blues fans who claim they don’t want the club to sign Gerrard are crazy. Why not? We can afford to spend the money and he’s one of the best midfielders in world football. If given the choice of Tiago, Jarosik, Geremi, Smertin or Gerrard to partner Frank Lampard, I know where my decision would lie.
After the difficult summer Jose Mourinho and Peter Kenyon have had trying to persuade some of the world’s greatest players to sign for Chelsea, the events of the previous two days must seem like Christmas has come early — though they will not feel they have secured their man just yet; Gerrard and his agent’s ploy is just as likely to achieve the desired result, in this case Liverpool caving in to their demands. Unless of course he wants out of Anfield — or Benetiz wants him out.
It would be interesting to get some objective reaction to this news from Reds fans. Any Liverpool supporters reading this? What do you feel about Gerrard’s handling of the situation? And does Benitez genuinely want him to stay — or would he prefer £32m in cash to spend? He could buy a number of quality Spanish players with that amount in Euros.
Related links:
- Chelsea open bidding for Gerrard at £32m
- Chelsea set sights on Gerrard
- Chelsea ‘make £32m Gerrard offer’
Reds reject Chelsea Gerrard bid · Update
Chelsea tabled their offer for Gerrard last night but the Reds are apparently desperate to persuade their inspirational midfielder to remain on Merseyside and say they had no hesitation in turning down the offer.
“I can confirm we have had a bid from Chelsea and that it will be rejected by us,” said chief executive Rick Parry.
Chelsea confirm offer · Update
Following comments from Liverpool Chief Executive Rick Parry this morning, Chelsea can confirm that the club has made an offer to Liverpool for the transfer of Steven Gerrard. The terms of that offer are confidential.
Related links:
- Chelsea fail in £32m Gerrard bid
- Where will Steven Gerrard go?
- Parry still hopeful Gerrard will stay
- Gerrard’s career statistics
