Green, a senior partner at the Liverpool office of Hill Dickinson, has been appointed after Ferguson instructed United's board not to do business with Liverpool. United had informed Heinze's adviser, via fax, that the defender could leave if they received a bid of around £6m but when Liverpool made that offer last week it was dismissed. The row has escalated to the point that Heinze is unlikely to be considered for first-team action when he reports for training , having had an extended break because of the Copa America.
He can expect a hostile reaction from Ferguson, who is shocked to discover the extent to which his player seems determined to join United's rivals, the 29-year-old having employed solicitors who specialise in legal matters for Liverpool. "We're aware that he is taking legal advice," a bullish Ferguson said last night. "I just hope it's good advice because we are confident about our position."
United have employed a Manchester-based firm to fight their case, and the club's ir solicitor Maurice Watkins will inform the Premier League that the player has two years remaining on his contract and must honour the agreement. However, Heinze's solicitors are confident they can prove United broke a written agreement.
"It has been reported that the dispute is heading towards a court case, but that is not true," said a source close to Heinze. "The Premier League will make a ruling and we hope this matter will be sorted before the transfer window closes."
Whatever happens, Heinze's position at Old Trafford is virtually untenable. United claims they will not budge and Heinze's aggressive stance has been of intense dismay to the club's supporters.
"This guy will go from hero to zero if he goes ahead with this transfer," was a typical comment on the fans' websites yesterday, and a poll on the Manchester Evening News's had 82% of supporters saying Manchester United should dig in their heels.
When it was pointed out to Ferguson that Heinze had employed solicitors with close links to the Anfield club, the United manager said: "It doesn't worry me because he has either got a case or he hasn't."
Heinze has been the subject of interest from overseas, with Real Madrid and Internazionale among the clubs to express an interest. But, the huge Spanish-speaking influence at Liverpool, plus an opportunity to remain in the north-west of England, appears to have an irresistible lure for him.