Liverpool's Enrique interest cools

Liverpool's interest in Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique has 'cooled' according to sources on Merseyside, despite the Spaniard's attempts to hasten his departure from St James's Park this week.

Enrique trained with his Newcastle United teammates in America yesterday, despite using the social networking site Twitter to criticise owner Mike Ashley for a lack of ambition, accusing the board of selling their best players and lying about making an improved contract offer to keep him.

That brought a stern response from manager Alan Pardew, as well as managing director Derek Llambias, who have fined the player, while pointing out they have not received a single bid for him all summer.

Liverpool did take a close look at the 25-year-old last season, but appear to have decided the asking price, along with the player's likely wage demands - he already earns £46,000-a-week at Newcastle - and misgivings about his defensive capability mean he is a risky transfer.

Enrique's tirade has divided opinion on Tyneside, with some turning on the left-back for the attack on the club given the transfer window is still open, while others have backed him in his criticism of Ashley's lack of investment.

Source: The Telegraph

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