However, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has denied reports that the Anfield club have made enquiries.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Premiership | Mourinho admits interest

This was later denied by chief executive Rick Parry who said no talks had taken place.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Liverpool | Gerrard defends under-fire Moores

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry says the team have shown they can beat top-class opponents without inspirational captain Steven Gerrard.

BBC: Liverpool celebrate victory over Juventus.

"We're obviously delighted, " Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry told the club's official website.

BBC: Anfield stadium

Hicks was in the director's box just a few feet in front of chief executive Rick Parry, who he has asked to resign.

BBC: Owner Hicks braves Anfield crowd

Meanwhile, the club's chief executive Rick Parry has admitted that Liverpool are monitoring two Spanish youngsters - Fran Merida, a teenage midfielder from Barcelona, and Real Madrid's Esteban Granero.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Liverpool | Alonso dismisses link with Real

One of Purslow's priorities since taking over from Rick Parry in June last year has been to find new investment in the club as they seek to get the funding in place to build a new stadium.

CNN: Hicks Jr resigns as Liverpool director

The statement added that "this is not about questioning the manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player" - but the issue has rankled Benitez, who told the media on Friday to ask chief executive Rick Parry about the Barry negotiations.

BBC: Barry transfer saga riles Benitez