Jun 30 2005
By Richard Williamson, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL have opened talks on new contracts for both Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

The influential pair have two years left on their existing deals and are both represented by agent Struan Marshall. An initial meeting was held with Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry yesterday. Talks were described as "constructive" with further meetings planned.

There will be a clear sense of urgency surrounding the talks on Gerrard's future. With the first qualifying round in the Champions League looming large on July 13, Liverpool won't want to be left in the same predicament that saw Michael Owen left sitting on the bench in the third qualifying round against Grazer AK last year.

There is a will on both sides to secure Gerrard's continued presence at Anfield, but Chelsea and Real Madrid continue to monitor the crucial discussions that are now underway between the two parties.

Gerrard has already indicated he wants matters resolving before the start of the new campaign, a stance that suits Liverpool, who remain confident of being able to match their inspirational captain's ambitions for the future rather than lose him to another club.

Carragher's stock has risen considerably since being switched to the centre of the Liverpool defence, and a string of determined performances at both home and abroad helped Liverpool's season finish with the crowning glory of Champions League success against AC Milan in Istanbul in May.

Meanwhile Bolton say they are prepared to resist any overtures from Liverpool for Stelios Giannakopoulos. Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce insists one of his top priorities is to secure the Greece international on a new contract.

Reports in his homeland suggested the Euro 2004 winner was on the verge of a £1million move to Liverpool in a two-year deal.

Rafael Benitez had inquired about the 30-year-old, who has one year left on his contract, as part of the deal which took El Hadji Diouf to The Reebok but the impending arrival of the versatile Boudewijn Zenden, who can play in a number of roles, looks more likely to cool his interest. Liverpool will make their move for Zenden when his present deal with Middlesbrough expires tonight.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has re-affirmed his stance that Liverpool must play in the World Cup champion-ships in Japan. Speaking ahead of last night's Confederations Cup final between Brazil and Argentina, Blatter insisted: "We have regulations. The winner of the Champions League is automatically qualified and I have no doubt they will play."

CONCACAF champions Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica and Oceania champions Sydney have also qualified for the line-up, which will be completed by the winners of South America's club championship, the Copa Libertadores, the Asian club champions and the African club champions.