Liverpool to lose Litmanen chance

Liverpool need to act quickly if they are to keep Finnish star Jari Litmanen from joining the increasing Dutch contingent at FC Barcelona.

Litmanen has spoken publicly of his desire to join the Anfield club and his contract with the Dutch champions ends in the summer when he will be a free agent. Liverpool are interested in the versatile player who can play in attack but whose usual position is now sweeping behind defenders. Litmanen is regarded as one of the top European players and his undoubted class has attracted his former Ajax mentor Van Gaal and a deal to take him to Spain is close.