Blues step up Gerrard efforts

Chelsea will this week intensify their efforts to sign Steven Gerrard.

Now that England's participation in Euro 2004 is over, the unhappy Liverpool star is in a position to finally sort out his future.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon confirmed the club's interest in the England midfielder in a telephone conversation with his Liverpool counterpart Rick Parry last week and is ready to go to Anfield to conclude the deal.

Liverpool are very reluctant to sell their star asset but appear resigned to losing a player who signed a new four-year contract last November.

Gerrard has privately revealed his desire to leave his hometown club and confirmed to friends and other England players that he wants to go to Chelsea.

All that remains is for the clubs to agree a fee. Liverpool are thought to prefer a part-exchange deal with players like Damien Duff and Scott Parker but Chelsea want a flat transfer fee that could rise to £35million.

A club insider said: "Liverpool have been clever in protecting their player but if he wants to leave there's nothing they can do. Scott and Damien have important roles to play for Chelsea next season and there's no question of a player exchange."

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has given most of his top European stars a three-week holiday to recover from Euro 2004.