Liverpool hit back at Boro over Ziege

Liverpool have turned the tables on Middlesbrough in the dispute over Christian Ziege's move to Anfield by accusing them of an illegal approach for striker Emile Heskey.

The clubs meet in the High Court on March 22 in a final attempt by Boro chairman Steve Gibson for compensation for defender Ziege's £ 5.5million transfer four years ago. Ziege has since moved on to Tottenham.

Liverpool will include Steve McClaren's recent interest in Heskey in their defence, claiming they have proof Boro are guilty of the same tactics that sparked the row.

Gibson began the case after Liverpool activated a buy-out clause in Ziege's contract. Boro claim they lost out, having had £ 7.5m offers from Chelsea, Rangers and Valencia.