Football Talk - Real rule out bid for Gerrard - 13/07/10
Real Madrid have ruled out a move for Liverpool and England skipper Steven Gerrard due to the Liverpool captain's age and valuation, according to the club's transfer consultant Ernesto Bronzetti.
The appointment of Jose Mourinho as Real coach earlier in the summer prompted speculation that the Spanish outfit would launch a bid for Gerrard. Former Chelsea manager Mourinho came close to signing Gerrard during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, but appears unlikely to make a fresh effort.
Gerrard's future at Anfield had been the source of debate following the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League next season and the departure of Rafa Benitez.
"Kaka will stay at Real, but the president does not agree with Gerrard because he is 30 and Perez doesn't want to know," Bronzetti told GR Parlamento. "Plus, Liverpool asked for €70m [£58m]."
Bronzetti revealed Mourinho is keen to sign a player like Gerrard after ruling out an offer for Inter full-back Maicon. He added: "Mourinho is convinced to leave Sergio Ramos on the right and now he wants a central defender or midfielder like Gerrard. Real did not make an offer for Maicon, there was a request of €35m [£29m from Inter]."