Liverpool have confirmed that they are in talks with Leeds transfer-listed midfielder Lee Bowyer.
The £9million-rated Bowyer asked for a move from Elland Road towards the end of last season after becoming disillusioned with the club in the wake of their decision to fine him despite his acquittal of assault charges on an Asian student.
“He (Bowyer) is a player we have admired for some time,’ the club’s assistant manager Phil Thompson told the Liverpool Echo.
‘Nothing has been finalised at the moment but discussions are ongoing.
“He has things in his game which we need and he can also weigh in with goals. He is a quality player.”
Bowyer joined Leeds in 1996 as a teenager in 1996 and was on the verge of the full England squad before being accused of causing grievous bodily harm in relation to an assault on an Asian teenager in January 2000. He was finally acquitted earlier this year, but turned down the club’s new offer of a five-year deal in May 2002.
Leeds are desperate to reduce their debts, estimated at £77million and with new Elland Road boss Terry Venables aleady stating that £35million-rated defender Rio Ferdinand is not for sale, Bowyer is expected to be the first of several departures in the coming weeks.
