Adam bid rejected

Liverpool were today considering their next move after their bid for Blackpool star Charlie Adam was rejected.

The Reds made an offer of up to £4.5m for the midfielder yesterday following his impressive performances this season.

But the Tangerines have turned down the bid as they are desperate to keep hold of their 25-year-old playmaker.

Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish and director of football strategy Damien Comolli are now contemplating if they are prepared to contact the Lancashire club again with a new and improved price.

This is the highest bid yet for Adam during this month's transfer window after Aston Villa made a recent offer of £3.5m for the Seasiders' talisman.

That figure was described as 'insulting' by manager Ian Holloway who is determined to keep hold of his star man.

Adam, formerly on Rangers, was the best player on the pitch during the Reds defeat to Blackpool at Bloomfield Road ten days ago.

The Scottish international has been instrumental in his side's good form in this season's Premiership and has scored four goals for the Tangerines.

Suitors have been alerted to Adam's potential availability after the midfielder recently spoke of his desire to play at the highest level.

If Liverpool continue in their pursuit, they could still face stiff competition from Gerard Houillier's Aston Villa who are said to still be interested in landing tne left-footed schemer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's owners have backed director of football Damien Comolli as he scours the transfer market for new talent.

Tom Werner outlined the Frenchman's relationship with new manager Kenny Dalglish while he identifies potential Anfield targets.

Comolli yesterday publicly confirmed Liverpool's interest for the first time in both Ajax striker Luis Suarez and Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

And chairman Werner today clarified the workings within the Anfield corridors of power and how the Frenchman is operating alongside Dalglish.

He told the ECHO: "I feel the responsibility to improve football operations cannot just reside in the manager, there needs to be a team.

"You need to have an understanding for all the talent worldwide, an understanding of who's in your system, and the reserves and who is in your U-18 squad.

"This is a big job, as the sport has evolved it's quite a lot to expect one man to run football operations without a lot of support.

"I don't consider this to be Kenny to be reporting to Damien, Damien reporting to Kenny, we're all working in the same direction.

"But there's a lot to do and we need to be aligned and on the same page."

Comolli was appointed in November as director of football strategy one month after Fenway Sports Group, headed by millionaire John Henry bought the club for £300m.

And Werner added: "As far as Damien concerned we've been very pleased with his performance.

"We feel he's extremely bright and understands the sport, and I think we're going to see some results.

"He's knowledgeable about the game. He's been a coach and been successful at Tottenham.

"I feel he looks at the game in a very analytical way, that's the way we like to look at it, we don't like to go by hunches.

"He's identified some talent, I hope they will be with us in the future.

"His work ethic and his intelligence is something I've been very impressed with."

Source: Liverpool Echo

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