Robbie Fowler insists he is still in negotiations with Liverpool over a new contract.

The striker dismissed as "mischief making" reports that he had turned down a five-and-a-half year deal, worth £33,000-a-week, and that he was on his way out of Anfield. "It's a load of nonsense," he said in the Liverpool Echo. "I have not turned down any contract and I don't know where this story has come from."

Liverpool remain optimistic that Fowler will sign a new long-term contract and pledge his future to Anfield. The club claim that he had not rejected what was reported as being their final offer. One Liverpool player who could be on the move is goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has lost his place to David James since Gerard Houllier took sole charge in November.

Peter Schmeichel will miss Manchester United's Premiership clash with West Ham on Sunday - because he is sunning himself on a beach in the Caribbean. He has gone on holiday with the blessing of United boss Alex Ferguson.

Paul Scholes, who missed last Sunday's FA Cup win over Middlesbrough because of the flu, has also been told to put his feet up this week.

Meanwhile, controversial Atletico Madrid president Jesus Gil is being held in jail for alleged embezzlement and fraud. Anti-corruption prosecutor, Carlos Castresana, claims he has evidence that in 1991 and 1992 Gil diverted 450 million pesetas (£1.9 million) to Atletico.