Fresh doubts have emerged over Daniel Agger’s Liverpool future after his agent met with AC Milan representatives.
The Serie A side have been persistently linked with a move for the Denmark international during the transfer window, with talks having stalled over a new contract at Anfield.
Milan are desperate to inject fresh blood into an ageing defence and are believed to be preparing an £8.5million bid for Agger.
And the news the player’s agent, Per Steffensen, has been spotted in discussions with officials from the Italian giants will alarm Liverpool.
Steffensen met in a city centre restaurant, Giannino, with Milan’s general sporting director Ariedo Braida and the agent Rino Foschi.
Liverpool could take action over what may be construed as an illegal approach, but are more likely to be worried by the events.
Rafael Benitez has previously stated he does not want the 24-year-old to leave, having declared an intention to keep his squad intact with the Anfield outfit leading the Premier League and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Agger, who was signed for £5.8m from Brondby three years ago, was sidelined for almost a year after breaking a metatarsal in September 2007, and struggled to regain his first-team place immediately after a return to fitness.
It was during that time the centre-back, who has less than 18 months remaining on his current deal, hinted he could buy out the remainder of his contract at the end of the season under the landmark Webster agreement.
Liverpool subsequently opened negotiations over a new deal, but Agger has since revealed his concern that talks have been held up despite the player expressing a desire to remain at Anfield.
Agger was not part of the 18-man squad for last Saturday’s goalless draw at Stoke City, although his absence was because of a slight calf problem.
The Denmark international will be hoping to regain his place for Monday’s Merseyside derby at home to Everton after seeing Martin Skrtel make his first start in three months at the weekend.
Skrtel had been sidelined for almost three months with a knee ligament injury suffered against Manchester City in October, and admitted he was “exhausted” after his 90-minute outing at the Britannia Stadium.
“I felt fine in my first full game after recovery,” said the Slovakia international. “I must admit though that in the last five minutes I was exhausted.
“Overall though, I am positive about my performance. It was a very difficult game. We played against a good team that played well. Stoke have a lot of tall and strong players in their squad, so it was difficult for us.
“They played rather aggressively and pushed up front. This style of football will cause problems for any Premier League side.”
The Serie A side have been persistently linked with a move for the Denmark international during the transfer window, with talks having stalled over a new contract at Anfield.
Milan are desperate to inject fresh blood into an ageing defence and are believed to be preparing an £8.5million bid for Agger.
And the news the player’s agent, Per Steffensen, has been spotted in discussions with officials from the Italian giants will alarm Liverpool.
Steffensen met in a city centre restaurant, Giannino, with Milan’s general sporting director Ariedo Braida and the agent Rino Foschi.
Liverpool could take action over what may be construed as an illegal approach, but are more likely to be worried by the events.
Rafael Benitez has previously stated he does not want the 24-year-old to leave, having declared an intention to keep his squad intact with the Anfield outfit leading the Premier League and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Agger, who was signed for £5.8m from Brondby three years ago, was sidelined for almost a year after breaking a metatarsal in September 2007, and struggled to regain his first-team place immediately after a return to fitness.
It was during that time the centre-back, who has less than 18 months remaining on his current deal, hinted he could buy out the remainder of his contract at the end of the season under the landmark Webster agreement.
Liverpool subsequently opened negotiations over a new deal, but Agger has since revealed his concern that talks have been held up despite the player expressing a desire to remain at Anfield.
Agger was not part of the 18-man squad for last Saturday’s goalless draw at Stoke City, although his absence was because of a slight calf problem.
The Denmark international will be hoping to regain his place for Monday’s Merseyside derby at home to Everton after seeing Martin Skrtel make his first start in three months at the weekend.
Skrtel had been sidelined for almost three months with a knee ligament injury suffered against Manchester City in October, and admitted he was “exhausted” after his 90-minute outing at the Britannia Stadium.
“I felt fine in my first full game after recovery,” said the Slovakia international. “I must admit though that in the last five minutes I was exhausted.
“Overall though, I am positive about my performance. It was a very difficult game. We played against a good team that played well. Stoke have a lot of tall and strong players in their squad, so it was difficult for us.
“They played rather aggressively and pushed up front. This style of football will cause problems for any Premier League side.”
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