Reports in Italy yesterday claimed that Milan would capitalise on Agger's stalled contract negotiations by making a €9 million offer for a player who will be available under a €7.5 million release clause in the summer. Liverpool insist that no such clause exists, however, and have informed the Denmark defender and his agent, Per Steffensen, they will resist any approach for the 24-year-old as they concentrate on trying to win a first league title in 19 years.
Milan's need to find replacements for their veteran defenders Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta is no secret and Agger's contract situation has alerted the Italians to a possible transfer. Agger is in the final 18 months of his contract and talks between the parties have proved problematic, although Liverpool deny they have offered the €80,000-a-week deal that he has reportedly rejected.