This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Stephen Ireland is a target for Liverpool.
Ireland, the City fans' player of the year last season, has suffered a wretched dip in form under Mark Hughes and Roberto Mancini.
Manchester United were also monitoring Ireland's situation at Eastlands, but have been deterred by the Irishman's failure to maintain his progress at City.
They were also aware that City were unlikely to contemplate agreeing a transfer deal with their bitter rivals.
That paved the way for Liverpool to move in with a bid at the end of the season.
One of Ireland's best performances this season was when he scored at Anfield in a 2-2 draw. And Liverpool have been made aware that Mancini would not block Ireland's departure.
Benitez was hoping to get the go-ahead to make an opening offer of £8million.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Tagged: ireland , media watch , rumours , stephen ireland , transfer speculation