Ayre hits out at ‘comedian’ Whelan

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has called Wigan chairman Dave Whelan a “comedian” and claims he conducted a “sideshow” during their recent search for a new manager.

The Latics owner gave his boss Roberto Martinez permission to speak to the Reds about the Anfield vacancy and then appeared to be speaking to the media every day to give updates.

Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers was eventually appointed on Friday, after the manager, Liverpool and the Swans concluded negotiations in less than four days in a much more private affair.

“Our aim from the outset was to conduct a proper, thorough, search and do it in the proper manner,” Ayre said.

“From our point of view, we did all the right things. We approached the clubs we needed to approach, and conducted ourselves properly at all times.

“It is disappointing, then, that Dave Whelan felt the need to run the kind of sideshow he conducted via Sky Sports News and various other media outlets.

“To be honest, I always thought John Bishop was the biggest comedian in the north west but Dave Whelan seems to have taken that mantle over the last couple of weeks.”

Meanwhile Manchester United have made their first signing of the summer after confirming they have “reached agreement” to buy Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund for a fee believed to be in the region of £12 million.

Negotiations have been on-going with the Japan international for a number of weeks.

The deal is subject to a medical and work permit, although this is thought to be a formality.

It is not anticipated the deal will be completed until the end of the month as Kagawa is currently on international duty and played in Japan’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying round victory over Oman at the weekend.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club,” said a United statement.

“The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June.

“Further details will be announced in due course.”

Meanwhile Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis insists the club will not be rushed into making an announcement on captain Robin van Persie’s future.

“Robin sat down with us at the end of the season and we had a good discussion,” Gazidis said.

“What we agreed at that meeting was that we would keep all the discussions we had over the summer to ourselves and make announcements when it is the right time.’’