Liverpool took the first step towards one of the most contentious transfers in Merseyside history last night by lodging a #3.5million bid for Everton contract rebel Nick Barmby.

Twenty-four hours after Barmby stunned Everton manager Walter Smith by revealing his wish to cross Stanley Park, Liverpool set the wheels in motion by contacting their neighbours with a formal offer.

It was instantly rejected by Everton, whose initial response to the 26-year old England forward's stance was that he could leave for #8m or spend the remaining 12 months of his Goodison contract in the reserves.

Liverpool must now decide how much nearer they are prepared to advance towards Everton's asking price for a player who becomes a free agent this time next year.

Markus Babbel, due at Liverpool later this month to complete his free transfer from Bayern Munich, has been blamed for Germany's Euro 2000 defeat against England by his own team-mate Lothar Matthaus.

The veteran campaigner said: 'Shearer was left with a free header and I could hardly believe my eyes. Babbel was like an amateur.'

-- Anonymous, July 01, 2000

Answers

Hmmmm - less than 50% of the asking price. There all cheaky barstewards on Merkeyside. #8m tag from the Toffees and #3.5M offer from the Mickeys for a current England international. On second thoughts, that last comment makes me think they've offered too much.

-- Anonymous, July 01, 2000

This messy situation indicates just how much power the players really have these days - and how unhealthy it is for the game.
Everton salvaged this guy's career when he was on the scrapheap at the Smoggies. They've patiently rebuilt his confidence and enabled him to get back into the England squad - surely they, and Walter Smith in particular, deserve some semblance of loyalty?
No way, with one year left on his contract, Nicholas decides he wants to play for Everton's dreaded enemies across town.
Everton are in a hopeless situation. 'Pool offer an insulting #3.5mm for a current international knowing that - assuming Barmby really does want to play ONLY for them - if Everton turn it down they can wait until next close season and pick him up for nothing. Everton are left in a hopeless negotiating position on an asset they paid #5.5mm for.
Seems to me that something needs to be done to protect Clubs in this position - surely Everton should be able to get back at least what they paid for this tosser?

-- Anonymous, July 01, 2000

According to The Ronnie Taggart is now interested in signing Barmby. While I don't relish manure acquiring any more talent, it would give me a certain pleasure to see Houllier's cute plan foiled and Everton get an appropriate wedge for a player they resuced from obsurity, ie. Boro!
If he goes for less than #7mm, someone's getting a damned good deal.

-- Anonymous, July 05, 2000