Litmanen opens talks with Galatasaray

Liverpool have given Galatasaray permission to discuss terms with Jari Litmanen.

The Finland international has failed to nail down a regular first-team place and has admitted he is unhappy at Anfield.

Club spokesman Ian Cotton has confirmed that the Turkish giants, who are in Liverpool's Champions League group, have made an approach for the 31-year-old striker.

"We can confirm that we have been approached by Galatasaray and have given them permission to speak with Jari," Cotton announced on the club's official website.

"But, contrary to reports in the press, Jari Litmanen has not cleared his locker at Melwood and he is not away on family business. He trained with the squad yesterday and will be here this afternoon to train with the rest of his team-mates."

Any deal must be completed by August 31 or put on ice until the transfer window reopens in January.