Newspaper reports have linked the England striker with several clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, and Houllier is reported to be keen to resolve the player's future once and for all.

Speaking in The News of the World newspaper, Houllier said: "He knows he has been part of my plans and knows all that I have done for him this season, but if he is not happy with that, he can go.

"Nobody at this club has put a gun to his head saying, 'You have to sign a new contract'.

"I want to believe he is OK, but I know I will have to speak to him."

Houllier has also hit back at speculation surrounding the future of midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

The England international has been linked with a number of clubs but Houllier insists that Redknapp is an "integral" part of his plans at Anfield.

He said: "Recent press speculation suggesting that Jamie Redknapp could be leaving Liverpool is utter rubbish as we have absolutely no intention of selling him - at any price - to another club.