Gabriel Heinze, the Manchester United defender, is taking legal advice to try and secure his release from Old Trafford.

The Argentina international’s representatives have employed a firm of lawyers to see if they can help resolve the ongoing dispute.

Liverpool are keen to sign the full back but United insist he will not be sold to their Barclays Premier League rivals.

However, it emerged recently that the player has a letter signed by David Gill, the United chief executive, claiming he would be free to leave if a £6 million bid was received - a figure Liverpool are thought to have matched.

United manager Sir Alex has adopted a bullish approach to the matter, though, stating categorically Heinze, who became a firm favourite with United supporters after his £6.9 million move in 2004, but fell out of favour after picking up a serious injury, would not be sold to Liverpool.