Gerrard stays, says Houllier

GERARD HOULLIER has sought to personally underline Liverpool’s insistence that Steven Gerrard is not for sale at any price.

Liverpool were rocked at the weekend by reports that Chelsea were considering a £50m bid for the England midfielder. But Anfield boss Houllier currently away with his squad training in Switzerland claimed yesterday: "He's happy at Liverpool and doesn't want to play for anyone else. Steven is progressing all the time and this is the club for him."

Initially Liverpool issued a terse, short, club statement saying Gerrard was not for sale. Now Houllier, just a few days after landing Harry Kewell for £5m from Leeds, has gone on the record in a bid to end the speculation.