Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez played down claims by Sunderland counterpart Steve Bruce that the club have tried to unsettle Black Cats striker Kenwyne Jones. Bruce said last week that the Reds had been "disrespectful" in how they had gone about negotiations.
"I was not dealing with this," said the Liverpool boss.
"(Managing director) Christian Purslow has been talking with (Sunderland chairman) Niall Quinn so they have to manage the situation because I was not doing anything.
"I prefer not to talk too much because we will create a debate so Christian and Niall will continue to talk if they need to talk.
"They were in contact but I don't know what the situation is now." On Friday, Bruce said: "I find it hugely disrespectful, the antics of Liverpool and this constant badgering of Kenwyne Jones, when we as a club haven't heard anything.
"I don't know whether they are serious or whether Rafa is playing games with his board. It might be power games at Liverpool."
Privately Liverpool are understood to be angry at Bruce's comments, particularly as it's understood preliminary talks have been taking place between the clubs since last month.
