Eary morning media have today reported that Dutchman Dirk Kuyt is expected to be a Liverpool player in time to make his debut against Sheffield United on Saturday, although this report is denied by Anfield and David Prentive of the Echo.

The Dutchman has apparently made it clear to Feyenoord that he wants to move to Anfield and the club will either have to accept a player-exchange deal involving Jan Kromkamp or staggered payments if they stick steadfastly to their £10m asking price.

Feyenoord set Liverpool a deadline of last Sunday to meet their demands - a deadline the Reds allowed to pass with no fresh approach.

Kuyt himself is desperate to resolve his future, and failed to turn up for pre-season training yesterday - when a new team picture was taken without him on it.

But if Liverpool is to be his eventual destination, Feyenoord will have to lower their demands significantly.