Gill: United stand firm on Heinze

Reds boss Rafael Benitez is keen to take the Argentina full-back to Anfield but his efforts have so far stalled as United are refusing to deal with their north-west rivals.

United chief executive David Gill told PA Sport: "Our position is very clear on Gabriel Heinze and it has not changed."

He added: "Gaby is due back next week. He is a contracted player for two years and unless we receive an offer which is acceptable to us as a club, he will remain with us. We are very comfortable with that."

There have even been veiled accusations from Sir Alex Ferguson that an illegal approach was made for the 29-year-old, something Benitez strenuously denies.

Fearing the situation is getting slightly out of hand, high-level discussions have taken place between the two clubs to try to dampen down some of the animosity.

United claim to have instructed Heinze's agent they would not sell to either Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea long before Benitez's interest was made public.

While other clubs have inquired about the former Paris St Germain star, Liverpool remain the only club to have registered a written bid, so unless there is a significant development within the next few days, Heinze will be expected back in training.

And, while his actions may have annoyed United fans who cannot understand why one of their club's players should want to play for Liverpool, Gill has insisted there would be no issue if Heinze saw out the remaining two years of his contract.

"We have not received any bids in writing from anyone other than Liverpool," he said.