EXCLUSIVE: Reds prepared to help Bowyer quit Leeds

Last updated : 04 June 2002 By Kop Talk News


Leeds United midfielder Lee Bowyer has been told that Liverpool want to sign him.

Although there has been no formal bid for the highly talented midfielder, Bowyer has been made aware that Liverpool are keen to sign him BUT only if the price is right.

Leeds are still trying to persuade him to stay and have tried to pressurise him by stating that he can only leave if he pays back the £850,000 he owes them for legal assistance they gave him during his infamous court case all at once. If he stays with the club, he can pay the money back in monthly instalments.

This clause could force him to sit it out at Leeds until next year when he can leave a on a Bosman free but Leeds would then have to find alternative employment to enable him to pay the money back.

However, KopTalk sources insist that Liverpool, and Arsenal, are prepared to advance Bowyer the £850,000 as part of a signing-on fee if one of the clubs agree a deal with him. Leeds are naturally proving very difficult and are demanding a ridiculous tranfer fee especially when you take into account that his contract is now running very low.

Liverpool and Arsenal are the only two clubs who are believed to be interested in him and despite malicous reports originating from Yorkshire, Bowyer isn't looking for £40,000-a-week or higher in wages. He's desperate to quit the club, especially after rumours of an internal bust-up between Leeds chiefs and Bowyer's father.

Liverpool are in the running but they will not pay over the odds for a player that they could sign for free next season. While Bowyer may do a u-turn and sit it out for next season, Liverpool's interest wouldn't cease unless he signs a new contract with the Yorkshire men - watch this space!

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