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NIGEL MARTYN has been linked with a £5 million move from Leeds United to Liverpool, with the English media speculating that The Reds are seeking a replacement for
Sander
Westerveld.
Martyn, who has been a stalwart at Leeds for several seasons, has suddenly found himself under pressure to perform after an injury allowed youngster Paul Robinson to step into the spotlight with much aplomb.
Although the veteran international regained his place on his return to fitness, he has found his position less than secure - and with Liverpool said to be waiting in the wings, the 34-year-old is now being linked with a move away from Elland Road.
Robinson has also underlined the problem with having two top-class keepers, saying: "The last few weeks have been hard.
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"It is a difficult thing for any player to swallow when he is dropped. In the short-term I have no worries about England, but, in the long-term, it could become more of a worry.
"You don't see many people playing for England who aren't first-choice for their club."
Westerveld's erratic form this year is reported to be a matter of consternation for Gerard Houllier, although it seems unlikely that the French coach would advocate spending £5 million on a player so late in his career, especially with the whole transfer system still hanging in the balance.
Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale was quick to play down the rumours stating on the Leeds official website: "There has been no bid, and we are not in the business of selling our first-team players.
"Now we are not in the market at the moment of buying, stories are now appearing that we are selling players."
Liverpool also played down the link, with a club spokesman saying: "There is absolutely no truth in these stories whatsoever."
The Reds were also recently linked with a move for Coventry`s Chris Kirkland, but were quoted a reported £10 million asking price.
