Liverpool have been linked more and more strongly in recent days with a move for Dutch international Boudewijn Zenden.
Zenden is 28 and would be available on a free transfer – his contract at Middlesborough ends in July. His father Pierre also acts as his agent, and according to the BBC has confirmed the interest from the Reds: "Liverpool have achieved great things but he has also had a great time at ‘Boro."
Middlesborough have offered Zenden a new contract, but he has turned this down. Boss Steve McClaren is desperate not to lose the player who was voted ‘Boro’s player of the season and feels that he’ll be able to hang on to him: "I am confident of keeping him. I was talking to the chairman about the necessity to make sure we keep our best players this year – and he is one. We must do everything possible to make sure he stays."
Zenden had been on loan at the club from Chelsea before joining on a permanent deal last summer.