Gerrard set to quit after Reds row with Rafa

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is reported to be on the brink of leaving the club. The 25-year-old England midfielder is said to have had a training-ground row with manager Rafael Benitez, opening up the possibility of a big-money move to Chelsea or Real Madrid.

It follows widespread reports claiming Gerrard feels he is being forced out of the club because Reds chief executive Rick Parry has failed to open contract negotiations as quickly as he hoped.

Gerrard indicated his desire to stay at Anfield in the immediate aftermath of Liverpool’s stunning European Cup triumph over AC Milan in May and thought the issue would be dealt with almost instantly.

Instead, just nine days away from Benitez’s men beginning the defence of their trophy against Welsh minnows Total Network Solutions, Gerrard looks further away than ever from agreeing a new deal.

The influential midfielder has two years remaining on his contract and Parry knows unless his future is resolved one way or another this summer, his vast market value will begin to plummet.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton yesterday insisted the Merseyside giants do not want to lose their talisman.

“Our position is very clear,” he said. “We want Gerrard to stay at the club.”

Gerrard has received no improved pay offer from Liverpool and no more talks are planned, according to The Sun, who report Gerrard had a stand-up row with Benitez on Saturday.

The Daily Mirror reports Gerrard has broken off all contract talks and also claims an “angry exchange” between the player and his manager at Melwood training ground.

Chelsea will now launch a British transfer record bid for Gerrard, according to the Daily Star, while the Daily Express report Gerrard’s patience snapped as the Anfield club dragged their feet over a new deal.

The Daily Mail also say Gerrard’s long association with Liverpool is drawing to a close and that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been alerted.