We won't sell Heinze to Reds - Fergie

Anfield boss Rafael Benitez is a long-time admirer of the tough-tackling Argentina defender and after weeks of speculation lodged a formal bid of for Heinze on Monday however, the £6million offer was immediately rejected by United, even though it met their private valuation.

And Ferguson has made it clear he will not countenance the prospect of Heinze heading down the East Lancs Road, saying: "I can assure you, Liverpool will not be getting Gabriel Heinze. We can put that to bed right now and we have done so. We have had a couple offers for him and we have turned them down."

The move from Old Trafford to Merseyside is a path rarely travelled with only Phil Chisnall joining United's hated rivals, in 1962, since the War.

Ferguson's forceful statement suggested more than one club had expressed an interest in Heinze. Real Madrid and Inter Milan have both been linked with the 29-year-old, who has become something of a folk hero among United fans, partly due to his nationality but also because of the robust nature of his defending.

Although it appeared Patrice Evra had ousted Heinze as United's first-choice left-back, the South American did feature in the Red Devils' final three games of last season, skippering them against Chelsea and West Ham, then holding onto his place for the FA Cup Final.

With Heinze now on an extended break due to his commitments at the Copa America, Ferguson has not had an opportunity to speak with the former Paris St Germain player directly.

However, given his agent has spent the last 18 months pushing for a transfer, it appears certain Heinze will be leaving, even if Liverpool does not turn out to be his eventual destination.

"Heinze's agents are rolling the ball all the time," said Ferguson.

"But no matter what his agent thinks, we are in the driving seat. I don't exactly know what Gaby thinks because it is all coming from his agent but this has been going on for a year and a half now."