It took less than six weeks for the unthinkable to become a reality. Steven Gerrard knocked on the door of Rafael Benitez's office at Melwood on Saturday and, with a heavy heart, informed the manager he is to cut short discussions over a new contract. That night of delight in Istanbul already seems an age away.
On the flight back from Turkey with the European Cup, Gerrard was sure his future remained with the club he has supported since his youth. "How could I leave after that?" he asked amid the post-match delirium, with Liverpool apparently equally committed to deflecting interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid for good. That desire to stay was also reiterated by the player's agent, Struan Marshall of SFX, to chief executive Rick Parry when talks began last Wednesday.
Yet, with no offer forthcoming despite the club's desire to keep their captain, patience has snapped. Some would argue Gerrard's decision is hasty and that, with two years left on his current deal, the seeming lack of urgency on the part of the Reds might be understandable. But, after Parry and Benitez spoke so glowingly of their captain all summer, the issue has crystallised into whether Gerrard feels wanted. The apparent indifference toward the talks has left the player in little doubt.
So far Benitez has only Boudewijn Zenden, who will complete a free from Middlesbrough this morning, to show for a summer in the market.
Everton are to take their summer spending to £13 million with the signing of Valencia's Emiliano Moretti and Lamine Sissoko this week. The club hope to sign the pair for around £5 million. Former club captain Alan Stubbs is holding talks with Blackburn over a possible Bosman move to Ewood Park.
Malcolm Glazer's commitment to restoring Manchester United to full health means one more signing this summer and no sale of Wayne Rooney at any price.
Specific questions as to how the Glazer family intend to pay off over £500 million in debt taken on to complete their purchase of the club remain unanswered, but United's chief executive, David Gill, is confident enough in the business plan to confirm no amount of money would persuade the club to let Rooney leave Old Trafford.
Gill has also defended the defender Rio Ferdinand against allegations of disloyalty for his failure to sign his new contract.
Gill, who confirmed all the financial details of Cristiano Ronaldo's contract extension have been agreed, said: "There is no stumbling block. We want him to stay, he wants to stay."
Newcastle and those close to Craig Bellamy were tight-lipped yesterday on reports the striker was on the verge of completing a permanent move to Celtic.
