Liverpool are ready to meet Manchester United's £6million asking price for Gabriel Heinze but the Premiership champions are determined to prevent the Argentine full-back joining their bitter rivals.

Under new Fifa legislation, Heinze can buy out the last two years of his United contract, leaving the Red Devils powerless to prevent him moving to Anfield. And according to The People, Liverpool are ready to test that ruling.

United are already involved in a bitter transfer wrangle for Heinze's countryman Carlos Tevez, and this new row could escalate to similar heights.

Heinze, currently in Venezuela preparing for the Copa America final, has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford and Alex Ferguson will not stand in his way if he wants to leave.

However, Ferguson and other senior United figures would rather see him move abroad than become the first player to make the move from Old Trafford to Anfield in over 40 years.

The paper claims Heinze is keen on a move to Liverpool but would rather go with United's blessing.