Gabriel Heinze is a step closer to becoming the first player to switch between Manchester United and Liverpool in 43 years.

Alex Ferguson confirmed on Monday the 29-year-old Argentina international has indicated he wants to leave the champions.

"Gaby's agent has advised us that he wants to move on," Ferguson told at a press conference in Tokyo. "I am not too sure about that and we do not have a concrete offer from any particular club.

"But there is some momentum regarding the player's next move in terms of through his agent, even if nothing is close at this moment in time."

It is understood the Old Trafford club are powerless to prevent Heinze moving to their bitter rivals with a clause believed to be lodged allowing the full-back to move if an offer of £6million is made.

Ferguson is unwilling to allow Heinze to move to Anfield and will at the very least try and negotiate a transfer to Real Madrid, Juventus or Newcastle - who are all courting the left-back.