LIVERPOOL HAVE have denied claims that Robbie Keane will be sold in January after their former player turned television pundit Mark Lawrenson cast doubt on the €22.5 million striker's Anfield future during an interview during an interview on Today FM programme, The Last Word.
Keane's position at Liverpool is again under scrutiny after the manager, Rafael Benitez, left the Republic of Ireland captain on the sidelines during Saturday's 2-2 draw against Hull City at Anfield.
Before the game Benitez and the 28-year-old had insisted he had a long-term future at Anfield following reports he could be sold back to Tottenham Hotspur.
Benitez' decision to introduce Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and Lucas ahead of the striker against Hull, however, illustrated the difficulties facing Keane at Anfield.
Lawrenson said he discussed Keane's predicament with Steven Gerrard after the game and claimed the Liverpool captain suspects his team-mate could be sold in the forthcoming transfer window.
"I hate to name-drop," said Lawrenson, "but I was having a drink with Gerrard on Saturday and we talked about Keane. They share the same agent (Struan Marshall) and quite honestly he thinks something is going to happen with Keane in January. Sounds like he could be moved on."
While Marshall declined to comment, Liverpool last night denied the pundit's version of events. A club spokesman said: "Mark Lawrenson's remarks are his interpretation of a private chat between the two of them. They do not accurately reflect Steven's opinion of Robbie Keane and they certainly do not tally with Steven's recollection of the conversation itself."
Lawrenson's assessment of Keane's time at Liverpool did not end with predictions for January, with the former Anfield defender casting doubt on Benitez' wisdom in signing the striker to begin with. He added: "He (Benitez) got it wrong. If Liverpool were playing a Champions League final, FA Cup final or a massive game that they had to win tomorrow, you know Keane wouldn't start. He'd not get in the team. Why pay £20 million for a player who doesn't suit the formation or system? He's not going to improve at 28. You just wonder if Tottenham will come back and do a bit of a deal and Liverpool would go for someone else."
Meanwhile, Michael Owen will not sign a new contract at Newcastle United before the January transfer window.
Although it has been widely reported Owen was presented on Monday with a three-year contract on a basic wage of €88,500 a week, the Newcastle hierarchy is willing to pay him up to €100,000 a week for the next four years.
However, although the offer is thought to be more than one of his suitors, Everton, are able to pay, Owen remains keen to see what other bids are made in January when he is able to open negotiations with clubs ahead of a Bosman free transfer in June.
• Guardian Service
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