Liverpool Echo: We'd refuse £50m for Gerrard

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL chief executive Rick Parry insists no amount of money will force the club to sell skipper Steven Gerrard.

But Parry admitted the Reds will be powerless to stand in Gerrard's way if he hands in a transfer request this summer.

Speculation surrounding Gerrard's future shows no sign of dying down as Chelsea are known to be preparing to revive their interest at the end of the season.

The Londoners were confident they had their man last June, despite having no official contact with Liverpool.

Liverpool made it clear last year even a world record transfer fee wouldn't prize their star player away.

Parry reiterated this today, but added if Gerrard told the club he wanted out, Liverpool would have to respect his decision.

"Steve is above money. He is the future of Liverpool," said Parry.

"It doesn't matter if it's £30m, £40m or £50m, we will not accept offers. But we are also realistic enough to know we can't keep Steven against his will.

"Our position is; we want Steven to stay but we are realistic enough to know that it is his decision that will be crucial.

"Any idea we are going to accept offers for Steven and then tell him 'by the way, we have decided to sell you' is not on the agenda. Steven knows my views and Rafa's views.

"We crave success as much as he does. We know he is ambitious and nobody can argue with that.

"There are a lot of other players who feel the same, so we all have a common aim."

Liverpool have ended a trial for Luton goalkeeper Dean Brill. Rafa Benitez has cooled his interest in the player.

Luis Garcia's fifth booking of the season means he's suspended for next weekend's trip to Birmingham.