Avram Grant targets Steven Gerrard

By Duncan White
Last Updated: 2:27am BST 20/04/2008

The mind games ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Chelsea have been seriously stoked up by both Rafael Benitez and Avram Grant, with the short and long-term future of Steven Gerrard the source of the heat.
Benitez was pessimistic about the chances of his captain being able to play as a lingering neck injury picked up in training has failed to clear up. "I was talking with the physios today and it is still too early," Benitez said.
Gerrard was left out of the squad for yesterday's 2-0 win over Fulham. The England midfielder has been central to Liverpool's successes in Europe this season and if he cannot shake off the problem it would be a severe blow for Liverpool. It is not to be discounted that Benitez is being coy, however.
Doubt over Gerrard's possible participation will give Grant a tactical headache ahead of the first leg at Anfield.
The Chelsea manager was in mischievous mood himself, suggesting that the club could renew their interest in signing the Liverpool captain in the summer. Grant was effusive in his praise of Gerrard in an extraordinary interview on Friday, describing him as "his favourite player".
It is no secret that Gerrard is desperate to add the Premier League title to his collection of trophies - the one piece of domestic silverware to elude him.
With his 28th birthday approaching next month, his chances of realising that dream as a Liverpool player seem further away than ever. The financial clout at Stamford Bridge, however, could give him what he craves most of all.
Three years ago Gerrard rejected a £32 million move to Chelsea who had just won their first league title in 50 years under Jose Mourinho. The player felt Liverpool's success in Europe could be translated into winning the greatest domestic prize of all.
But his home-town club have disappointed and only weeks ago Gerrard was expressing his frustration at league failure.
Now Grant has renewed Chelsea's courtship.
He said: "For me, Gerrard is the player of the year in England and maybe in Europe because of the influence he has on the team."
He added: "Unfortunately he plays against me rather than with me but he is still my favourite player... If you can bring him to me, I will be happy."
Gerrard's heart and soul lie at Anfield, but if he were to forsake them with a move to London it might create an intriguing problem where Frank Lampard is concerned. The Chelsea midfielder and the Liverpool skipper have rarely functioned when playing together for England.

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utusanLFC :

Let me quote :

Now Grant has renewed Chelsea's courtship.
He said: "For me, Gerrard is the player of the year in England and maybe in Europe because of the influence he has on the team."
He added: "Unfortunately he plays against me rather than with me but he is still my favourite player... If you can bring him to me, I will be happy."

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so how in the world the UK newspaper could spin Grant's word to that extend?

a rather amusing journalism skill are shown here...