Gerrard wants Anfield exit

Steven Gerrard has made up his mind to leave Liverpool for Chelsea and has asked for a transfer.

The England midfielder has told the Anfield club of his intention to move this summer - though he has yet to formalise his request by putting it in writing - but was told he would not be allowed to go under any circumstances.

The 24-year-old signed a new £60,000-per-week four-year contract with Liverpool at the end of last season.

An escape clause was inserted but it cannot be activated until the end of next season at the earliest because it is dependent on how successful Liverpool are in the coming season.

Gerrard hopes the strength of his resolve will persuade Liverpool to sell, though officials have made frantic efforts to try to keep the man widely considered to be the best player at the club.

It has been pointed out that they sacked coach Gerard Houllier to try to appease Gerrard and Michael Owen, who had indicated that they wanted a change to halt the club's slide into mediocrity.

However, Gerrard has let it be known that even the appointment of Valencia coach Rafael Benitez is not enough to change his mind about leaving.

Instead, he has had his head turned by the ambition and financial clout of Roman Abramovich's Chelsea and has been told his salary will be more than doubled at Stamford Bridge.