LIVERPOOL are hoping Steve McManaman will sign a new contract with the Premier League club amid fresh rumours that the England star could be heading overseas.
McManaman has been linked with Juventus, who are reported to be considering an ?11 million bid for the rangy midfielder, who was chased by Barcelona earlier in the season after chief scout Bobby Robson had given him a glowing report.
But while Liverpool are confident the 25-year-old will finally accept their new offer, Juventus have distanced themselves from any deal through their English representative Pino Pagliara.
Pagliara, who was also Fabrizio Ravanelli's English-based agent, said: 'It is a very long time since Juventus spent ?10 million on anyone, and McManaman is not high on their wanted list.
'Sometimes you have to question the motivation of stories that link Juventus with players. Are people trying to encourage a situation and interest from somewhere else? 'Juventus have never had anyone looking at McManaman and have not talked about signing him.' McManaman has 18 months of his contract at Anfield to go, and as yet has not signed the new long-term deal that is on the table.
A Liverpool spokesman said: 'Negotiations are ongoing with Steve, the contract is on the table and we are confident he will sign.