Following the surprise news that the England forward has agreed a new deal with the SFX agency, fresh speculation has linked the Reds marksman with moves to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Speaking today, however, Gerard Houllier has insisted that he remains confident that the 24-year-old will put pen to paper on a lucrative new contract with the Merseyside club.
Houllier said: "I firmly believe Michael will still be here next season."
