LFC yet to bid for Sunderland pair

Liverpool are yet to table bids for Sunderland duo Jordan Henderson and Lee Cattermole - despite various reports to the contrary.

Stories had circulated this week that Reds boss Kenny Dalglish had made formal offers for the Black Cats pair, setting in motion what promises to be a busy summer of transfer activity at Anfield.

But the ECHO understands that whilst both players are on Liverpool's radar, no official offers have been lodged, with Sunderland desperate to hold on to two of their most prized assets.

Henderson, who has also been attracting interest from Manchester City, is currently away representing England at the European Under-21 Championships in Denmark, and had been strongly linked with a £13m move to Merseyside.

The 20-year-old, a product of the club's academy, has impressed since breaking into the Wearsiders' first team in 2008, and was called up by Fabio Capello for his first senior England cap, against France at Wembley back in November.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is adamant that the Sunderland-born midfielder will not be leaving the club, at least not for anything less than £20m - a valuation Liverpool would be unlikely to meet.

Cattermole, meanwhile, has a clause in his contract which enables him to speak to clubs who meet a set valuation - believed to be in excess of £10m.

The 23-year-old has had a mixed couple of seasons at Sunderland following his move from Wigan in 2009, with injuries and suspensions hampering his time at the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool are long-time admirers of the former Middlesbrough man, and could be willing to test Bruce's resolve with a formal approach in the next few weeks.

Liverpool are expected to be active in the transfer market as new boss Dalglish looks to trim and rebuild an imbalanced squad.

The likes of Alberto Aquilani, Milan Jovanovic, David Ngog and Paul Konchesky are all expected to leave, whilst Blackburn defender Phil Jones and Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing have been persistently linked.

One player who won't be arriving at Anfield, however, is Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has joined Tottenham on a two-year-contract.

Liverpool had made a firm offer to the 40-year-old but the American, who was available on a free transfer, has chosen Harry Redknapp's side, where he feels he will get more first-team opportunities.

Source: The Echo