Liverpool chief confirms Real Madrid want Gerrard option

Liverpool chief Rick Parry confirmed last night that Real Madrid had asked for first refusal on Steven Gerrard during negotiations over the signing of Fernando Morientes last month.

In an interview with BBC Radio Five Live, Parry confirmed that the Spanish giants, who bought Michael Owen for £8million last summer, have now asked for an option to sign the England midfielder.

Parry claims the move by Madrid officials came while Liverpool were negotiating to buy striker Fernando Morientes in the January transfer window.

"Steven knows my views. He knows Rafa's views. We have reaffirmed recently to Steven that we are trying to build a team around him," he said.

"We crave success as much as he does. We know he is ambitious. We all want to see progress by next season. He is not alone in that."