Benitez: Heinze must use law to get Anfield move

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Benitez, determined to complete Heinze's controversial switch, spoke after watching his makeshift side beat South China 3-1 in Hong Kong to clinch a place in Friday's Asia Trophy final against Portsmouth.

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Court threat: Gabriel Heinze

Earlier statements in the Far East, with United currently based in Macau, merely increased the tension and sense of confusion over Heinze's situation.

The player's agent claims he has a letter confirming Heinze, 29, can join any club willing to pay £6.8million, and Benitez insisted Anfield received a senior United official's blessing in writing to pursue the transfer.

Benitez, who claimed Europe's major clubs were all alerted to Heinze's availability, said: "A lot of clubs, in many different countries, knew what the situation was.

"I do not know what the problem is. We made an offer, they rejected it. I know what they are saying to the Press, but everyone in the world knows they (United) signed a document."

Sir Alex Ferguson criticised agent Roberto Rodriguez and demanded to know when the first contact with Liverpool was made, giving rise to possible allegations of an illegal approach.

Benitez said: "I was clear. We sent an offer. They rejected the offer and now the lawyers need to talk."

Pressed about whether it would be Liverpool's lawyers or the player's, he said: "I think it is the agent. Everybody knows the situation now. We will wait. We will see what happens."

Liverpool's win in Hong Kong was notable for a blunder by Scott Carson, who allowed Li Haiqiang's 35-yard free-kick to creep into the net.

Liverpool were already 2-0 ahead by then, thanks to John Arne Riise and a Xabi Alonso penalty. Daniel Agger scored their third. Portsmouth beat Fulham 1-0 with Benjani Mwaruwari scoring.