Reds encouraged Blue signing

The rather comical revelations come after Arteta, who signed a late loan deal last month from Real Sociedad, admitted that he chose the other team in Liverpool after speaking with Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia.

Arteta said: "I asked Xabi (Alonso) about it. He is really happy here in Liverpool. He said 'Come here, Everton are doing really well this season. They have very passionate fans and you will enjoy it.'

"I asked Luis and he told me the same. He also said that they have a Spanish clan at Liverpool," he added.

However there seems little doubt that most Kopites will be quick to point out that the only Spanish clan at Anfield is strictly for Reds only.

And whether Rafa Benitez is happy that his players are encouraging top fellow nationals to join the wrong side of Liverpool seems in doubt too.