Real Madrid end their pursuit of Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard

Real Madrid are set to end their pursuit of Steven Gerrard after officials at the Bernabeu deemed the price for the Liverpool captain to be too high.

New Real boss Jose Mourinho was believed to be interested in Huyton-born midfielder but transfer consultant Ernesto Bronzetti has told the Portuguese boss that Gerrard’s age means the £58 million asking price set by Liverpool is simply too much.

“Kaka will stay at Real, but the president does not agree with Gerrard because he is 30 and Perez doesn’t want to know.” Bronzetti told the Spanish media.

“Plus Liverpool asked for €70 million.”

Reports suggested Los Blancos had made a £20 million bid for Gerrard during the World Cup, but Liverpool rejected the offer as the Merseyside club believed the 30-year-old to be worth considerably more.

Meanwhile Chelsea are expected to step back from their pursuit of Fernando Torres after the Liverpool striker looked to have picked up an injury during the World Cup final in Johannesburg on Sunday night.

The former Atletico Madrid front man was a extra-time substitute for Spain during their 1-0 victory over Holland but the 26-year-old pulled up towards the end of the game with what looked to be a groin injury.

The Blues were considering a swoop for the Spanish striker in the hope of taking advantage of Liverpool’s turbulent financial situation, but bosses at Stamford Bridge may now look to wait until the full picture on Torres’ injury is revealed before considering making an offer.

Torres is currently taking part in Spain’s World Cup celebrations in Madrid but upon his return to England he will begin talks with new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson who will hope to persuade the striker to stay at Anfield.