Liverpool concern as Real Madrid push for Gerrard

Liverpool chiefs are concerned over Real Madrid's fresh interest for captain Steven Gerrard.
The Sun says Gerrard was due to discuss a new long-term Anfield deal at the end of the month at the earliest.
 
But two direct inquiries from Real Madrid this week have alerted the Merseysiders to the fact that they cannot afford to hang around.

Now Liverpool's bosses will meet with Stevie G's agent Struan Marshall on Monday in a desperate bid to fend off the Spanish giants.

Chief executive Rick Parry said: "We're not going to put a time scale on talks but, like Steve, we want the situation resolved sooner rather than later. We hope to be talking in the very near future."

Pictures of Gerrard holidaying with Real Madrid midfielder Guti could not have come at a worse time for European champions Liverpool as they try to cling on to their star player.

Gerrard, Anfield's joint-top earner with Harry Kewell on £60,000 a week, will be offered a £25,000-a-week rise to extend his contract until 2009.

But Real president Florentino Perez is prepared to pay Galactico wages of £130,000 to the England star.