Liverpool have given Galatasaray permission to discuss terms with striker Jari Litmanen.

The Finland international has been unable to secure a regular first-team place at Anfield and his chances of playing this season have been restricted by the signing of Senegal frontman El Hadji Diouf.

Anfield spokesman Ian Cotton confirmed that talks were taking placxe but denied that Litmanen had already left Liverpool.

“But, contrary to reports, Jari Litmanen has not cleared his locker at Melwood training ground and he is not away on family business,’ said Cotton.

“He trained with the squad yesterday and will be here this afternoon to train with the rest of his team-mates.”

Last week, Litmanen complained about his predicament at Liverpool where he has barely featured since joining the club almost two years ago.

‘Every player wants to be in the team and I am no different,” Litmanen said. “Itmakes you miserable when you don’t get picked,” Litmanen said.