Gabriel Heinze's hopes of crossing the great divide between Manchester United and Liverpool appear doomed to failure.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is keen to take the Argentina full-back to Anfield but his efforts have so far stalled as United are refusing to deal with their north-west rivals.

There have even been veiled accusations from Alex Ferguson that an illegal approach was made for the 29-year-old, something Benitez strenuously denies.

Fearing the situation is getting slightly out of hand, high-level discussions have taken place between the two clubs to try to dampen down some of the animosity.

"Our position is very clear on Gabriel Heinze and it has not changed," said Manchester United chief executive David Gill.

United claim to have instructed Heinze's agent they would not sell to either Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea long before Benitez's interest was made public.

While other clubs have inquired about the former Paris St Germain star, Liverpool remain the only club to have registered a written bid, so unless there is a significant development within the next few days, Heinze will be expected back in training.

While United's supporters may question Heinze's commitment, Gill insisted there would be no issue if Heinze saw out the remaining two years of his contract.

"We have not received any bids in writing from anyone other than Liverpool," he said.

"Gaby is due back next week. He is a contracted player for two years and unless we receive an offer which is acceptable to us as a club, he will remain with us.  We are very comfortable with that."