The Liverpool coach, like every other major club in Europe he claims, received documentation, signed by a senior United official, confirming Heinze's availability. "A lot of clubs, in many different countries, knew what the situation was," Benitez said. "I do not know what the problem is. We made an offer, they rejected it. Everyone in the world knows they [United] signed a document."
Benitez was speaking after Liverpool beat South China 3-1 in the semi-final of the Barclays Asia Cup. John Arne Riise lashed home a free-kick, while Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger were also on target for the Reds, who will meet Portsmouth in Friday's final.
Freddy Shepherd has given up his post as the chairman of Newcastle with immediate effect. Shepherd has been replaced by Chris Mort following the takeover of the club earlier this summer by St James Holdings Limited, the bid vehicle of the billionaire businessman Mike Ashley.
Birmingham have joined Newcastle in the race to sign the China captain Zheng Zhi from Shandong Luneng. Zheng spent four months on loan at Charlton last season and scored against the Magpies. City's interest in the 26-year-old comes only a week after the Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung became the club's leading shareholder.
The Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws has revealed that Patrick Kluivert is interested in joining the Owls on trial. Laws learned of the former Newcastle forward's availability through an agent after Kluivert, who is available on a free transfer, was released by the Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven at the end of last season.
Brighton have finally been given the go-ahead to build a new stadium in Falmer. The Seagulls have been waiting for almost nine years for approval for the 22,000-seater arena on the outskirts of the city.