Reds step up Enrique bid

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Jose Enrique after Kenny Dalglish was left unhappy with his side's defensive frailties in their pre-season friendlies.

Newcastle said last night they had received no bids for the wantaway Spanish left- back but sources on Merseyside claim Dalglish is ready to wait until the transfer window is nearly closed in a bid to pick up Enrique in a cut-price deal.

Enrique has hardly endeared himself to the Newcastle hierarchy this week, criticising them for a lack of ambition. The outburst earned him a £100,000 fine.

Toon boss Alan Pardew has already identified Enrique's replacement - the experienced Wayne Bridge at Manchester City.

City insist they have not received any offer from Newcastle for Bridge and they acknowledge that his £90,000-a-week wages will prove a problem.

City also say they will not help subsidise Bridge's wages should he move out on loan.

PEOPLE SPORT revealed last Sunday that Paris St Germain had accepted Newcastle's £6.5m bid for striker Mevlut Erdinc but the Turkish international is reluctant to move.

Source: The People

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.