Chelsea linked with record bid for Gerrard

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry claims “money is not an issue” in the future of Steven Gerrard, but that view looks set to be tested to the limit following reports of a £32m (€47.2m) bid from Chelsea for the England midfielder.

Today’s newspapers are rife with speculation that the Blues have already offered a British record transfer fee for Anfield skipper Gerrard.

The proposed deal would eclipse the £29.1m (€42.9m) Manchester United paid Leeds to secure the services of Rio Ferdinand.

The reports come in the wake of yesterday’s revelations that contract talks between Liverpool and Gerrard’s agents have broken down.

Real Madrid are also believed to be monitoring the situation, with director of coaching Arrigo Sacchi telling The Sun: “Of course we are interested in him, what big club isn’t? But until the player makes a move we are not going to be involved in a fight for his services.”

However, Stamford Bridge rather than the Bernabeu looks set to be Gerrard’s next destination if he decides to leave Liverpool according to today’s reports.