LIVERPOOL are keen to offer Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher new deals The Reds are examining the contracts of all their senior stars in light of new rules over contracts that are due to come into force in August Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia are likely to be the first to sit down and discuss extensions, but skipper Gerrard and defensive lynchpin Carragher have also been lined up for talks in the near future FIFA have adopted European Union law, which means a player can effectively ?buy out? the remaining period of his contract with just 15 days notice if the deal was signed prior to the age of 28 and provided he has completed three entire seasons? service, or three entire years If the contract was signed after he reaches 28, only two seasons or years must be served. In effect, the buy-out value will become the player?s transfer value as interested clubs would no doubt pay the fee rather than the player himself. The three or two year periods are referred to as a player?s ?protected period?. Both Alonso and Garcia fall out of their ?protected period? at the end of the season and could conceivably then buy out their present contracts. Both Gerrard and Carragher?s ?protected periods? are some way off, but the Reds are keen to avoid unnecessary speculation regarding their futures No date has been yet set for contract talks with any of the parties concerned, although Alonso is keen to talk about a new deal, according to his agent Inaki Ibanez revealed: ?At the moment there are no talks, but when Liverpool call we will answer them ?Xabi is very happy at Liverpool and he is enjoying playing there.? Potential investors DIC, meanwhile, remain confident of a successful takeover at Anfield, despite interest from American businessman George Gillett. Dubai International?s executive chairman Sameer al-Ansari said: ?I understand he offered ?5,000 a share while we offered ?4,500 a share. ?We are very confident the club will not consider the other offer.
