Blackburn Rovers have confirmed officially that they have received and accepted a bid from Liverpool for striker Craig Bellamy.
According to the Rovers website, “After a conversation between manager Mark Hughes and the Welsh striker yesterday, the club has now reluctantly given Liverpool permission to speak with Craig – the bid from Anfield having met certain contractual conditions.”
It was widely reported that Bellamy had a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to other clubs if a particular amount was bid for him. It’s believed the clause was for £6million, with some reports saying it had to be from a club playing in the Champions League.
The chairman of Blackburn, John Williams, is quoted on the website saying: “We have made it crystal clear to Craig and his advisors that we want him at Ewood Park. We made him an improved offer before Liverpool declared their interest, an offer that was consistent with our ambition and determination to build on last season’s success.”
With the bid accepted, the sticking points will be whether Liverpool and Bellamy can agree the personal terms. As Williams said: “The decision now rests with the player.”