Liverpool are unlikely to report Avram Grant to the Premier League over the Chelsea coach's alleged attempt to tap up Steven Gerrard. Liverpool are known to be irritated by Grant's remarks about their captain, including the phrase "if you can bring him to me, I will be happy", but are likely to rise above a controversy of Grant's making.
The Israeli will receive some reaction from Anfield. Gerrard's manager, Rafa Benitez, will respond to Grant's covetous comments at lunch-time today when he looks forward to tomorrow's Champions League semi-final first leg with Chelsea. Grant can expect an even more ribald response from the Kop, who will also be busy directing their venom at co-owner Tom Hicks. The American is expected to make a rare visit to Anfield.
Liverpool have been down this road with Chelsea before. Gerrard was linked with move to the Bridge in 2004 and in 2005. Jose Mourinho was a huge admirer of Gerrard, and so is his successor as Chelsea manager.
"Gerrard is a great player and a great person," said Grant. "For me, he is the player of the year in England, and maybe in Europe, because of the influence he has on the team. I like him very much as a player and I know him. He is a nice guy and an example to others. He plays against me but he is still my favourite player. If you can bring him to me, I will be happy."
Even with so much chaos in the Anfield boardroom, and Liverpool again failing to bring home the leauge title, Gerrard is unlikely to crave a move to Chelsea as he is settled on his native Merseyside.
Liverpool's captain is expected to start against Chelsea despite missing Saturday's win at Fulham with a neck problem sustained heading balls in training. "The player will say he wants to play, but there's an easy way of finding out whether he's fit," said Benitez. "I will come up and tap him on the left shoulder and if he turns to face me without any pain, we will know he can play. Hopefully he will score with another header on Tuesday."
Sami Hyypia and Javier Mascherano have shaken off knocks, and Liverpool are expected to line up: Reina; Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Aurelio; Mascherano, Alonso; Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel; Torres.
The Israeli will receive some reaction from Anfield. Gerrard's manager, Rafa Benitez, will respond to Grant's covetous comments at lunch-time today when he looks forward to tomorrow's Champions League semi-final first leg with Chelsea. Grant can expect an even more ribald response from the Kop, who will also be busy directing their venom at co-owner Tom Hicks. The American is expected to make a rare visit to Anfield.
Liverpool have been down this road with Chelsea before. Gerrard was linked with move to the Bridge in 2004 and in 2005. Jose Mourinho was a huge admirer of Gerrard, and so is his successor as Chelsea manager.
"Gerrard is a great player and a great person," said Grant. "For me, he is the player of the year in England, and maybe in Europe, because of the influence he has on the team. I like him very much as a player and I know him. He is a nice guy and an example to others. He plays against me but he is still my favourite player. If you can bring him to me, I will be happy."
Even with so much chaos in the Anfield boardroom, and Liverpool again failing to bring home the leauge title, Gerrard is unlikely to crave a move to Chelsea as he is settled on his native Merseyside.
Liverpool's captain is expected to start against Chelsea despite missing Saturday's win at Fulham with a neck problem sustained heading balls in training. "The player will say he wants to play, but there's an easy way of finding out whether he's fit," said Benitez. "I will come up and tap him on the left shoulder and if he turns to face me without any pain, we will know he can play. Hopefully he will score with another header on Tuesday."
Sami Hyypia and Javier Mascherano have shaken off knocks, and Liverpool are expected to line up: Reina; Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Aurelio; Mascherano, Alonso; Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel; Torres.
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