Liverpool have been branded ”morally wrong” by Bolton after admitting they want to take Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos to Anfield.
The European champions have gone public on their interest in the right-sided player and have even held preliminary talks with his current employers.
But Bolton chairperson Phil Gartside is upset that, just as was the case with Manchester City’s offer for the player, the announcement came hours before an English Premiership match.
He fears Stelios will be unsettled by the link.
”Yet again I am disappointed that on the eve of a Premiership match a fellow Premier League club have gone public with their interest — it is morally wrong,” he said.
”Liverpool have not made an offer for Stelios. I am aware that they are likely to make an offer soon but if they don’t meet our valuation of over two million pounds ($3,6-million) then we won’t be talking to them.”
Bolton were due to play at home to Newcastle on Wednesday night, whereas Manchester City’s announcement of their interest came on the opening weekend of the season, on the morning of the Trotters’ game against Aston Villa.
City’s bid was dismissed by Bolton, who insisted they wanted more than the one million pounds ($1,8-million) offered for the 31-year-old.
Benitez has made a right-sided midfielder a priority before the Champions League transfer deadline and, after missing out on Luis Figo, Stelios fits the bill.
”Our chief executive Rick Parry is talking with their chairman about the possibility of a deal,” said Benitez.
”I also spoke to Sam Allardyce about the player last night because we need to know if he’d be available. At this moment Stelios is one possibility for us.”
Benitez is also seeking at least one new defender before the end of the month, and he told club website www.liverpoolfc.tv: ”We are working hard to strengthen the squad before the deadline.” – Sapa-AFP