We’ll keep Gerrard and Torres, says Reds chief
LIVERPOOL chief executive Christian Purslow admits the cash-strapped Reds are conducting a desperate search for fresh investment – but insists they will not be forced to sell prize assets Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
Captain Gerrard and top scorer Torres have both been touted for moves away from Anfield in the summer, a scenario that will be made all the more likely if Liverpool remain on course to miss out on Champions League qualification.
But Purslow has moved to reassure fans and is adamant Liverpool have the status and salaries to keep their star performers, as well as unsettled manager Rafael Benitez.
“We are not a selling club, absolutely not,” he said. “Liverpool is one of the big four clubs in the world. We pay salaries and transfers at the level of the top four in this league and that is the sporting level I hope to maintain.
Our problem is that we do not have two first XIs, as other clubs do. We do not have that financial capacity.”
Work on a new 60,000-seater stadium has ground to a halt and, with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett unable to bankroll construction, the project will not continue unless fresh investment can be found.
“Without investment, there is no new stadium,” Purslow added. “First step: new investment. Second step: stadium. Third: generate more profits to build a stronger team. We have people interested and would like to have it resolved before the season ends.”
Purslow also refuted suggestions Benitez could leave Anfield for Juventus in the summer, adding: “It is normal that big clubs are interested in Rafa. There are many things I want in this life, but that does not mean that I can have them. We have not considered, nor are we going to consider, a future without Benitez.”