But now the former law student is attempting to silence the whispers by threatening legal action.
''I know Liverpool had to take out some kind of court case to quell the speculation," he said. "Maybe I will have to look at doing the same.''
''I have not seen any newspaper stories and I would be disappointed if Gerard was taking a pop at me.
''I don't think I can do any more than I have done to put these rumours to bed.''
