Liverpool silent on Gerrard Real rumours

Liverpool, however, did confirm that they are in discussions with Albacete to sign the winger Mark Gonzales. The 20-year-old Chile international, currently outwith a cruciate knee ligament injury, was linked with the Reds last month, and a club spokesman said, "We are in discussions with Albacete with a view to bringing the player to the club on 1 August for a season-long loan. The deal would be subject to a work permit being granted."

Gonzales is unlikely to be fit until September but is considered one of Chile's most talented players.

Slavia Prague's appeal against the decision to seed Liverpool in the first preliminary round of the Champions' League was rejected yesterday. Slavia lost their seeding when Liverpool were admitted as European champions.