Liverpool FC have scotched a report in a Spanish newspaper claiming Steve McManaman had signed for £12m to Barcelona.

El Mundo quoted the club's vice-president, Joan Gaspart, saying: "Everything has been agreed with the player and with the club."

But a Liverpool spokesperson denied recent talks have even taken place.

"We are mystified by the reports because there has been no contact with Barcelona Football Club since last August," he said.

According to the report in El Mundo, agent Simon Fuller succeeded in clinching the deal, which fell through in August.

Fuller, who was recently sacked by another of his clients, the Spice Girls, visited Barcelona on December 17, the paper said.

The deal depended on Liverpool agreeing to release McManaman for £12m, Gaspart said.

"If [Barcelona coach] Louis van Gaal wants him then he will come to Barcelona after the World Cup," Gaspart said.

McManaman would receive an annual salary of £1.75m, El Mundo added, a figure below £2m reported in last year's negotiations.

The player will be free to leave Liverpool when his contract runs out in 18 months and, so far, he has refused to sign again with the English side.

Under the Bosman ruling he would then become eligible for a free transfer.
 

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