Liverpool chief Christian Purslow has assured Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres that money will be available to Rafa Benitez for this summer's market. Purslow called the summit at Liverpool's training ground last Wednesday to tell them that he is close to securing the new investment that will bring an end to the boardroom power battle.

A Liverpool source told the Sunday Mirror: "Christian Purslow informed the players on the direction the club will be taking. He was able to give them the answers they were looking for about new investment and how the club will move forward. It was a very positive meeting."

Co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are against the Rhone deal, but RBS are demanding a £100m payment by the end of the season to slash the club's £237million debt. The current owners value Liverpool at £500m. The Rhone deal is half that and all the funds will go to reduce borrowings.