Kadlec plays down Liverpool link

Kadlec plays down Liverpool link

Published Mar. 10, 2011 3:44 p.m. ET

Bayer Leverkusen defender Michal Kadlec insists that he has not been in contact with Liverpool amid reports of a summer transfer to Anfield.

The 26-year-old has been an integral part of second-placed Leverkusen's continued attempt to catch runaway Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund and has been one of the league's star performers.

Left-sided Kadlec was the subject of an August scouting mission from Liverpool, who have since been playing England right-back Glen Johnson on the opposite flank since loaning flopped summer signing Paul Konchesky to Nottingham Forest.

The Czech Republic international is only under contract with Leverkusen until 2013, but, while he has refused to confirm that he will sign a new deal, he is adamant that he has not been approached by Liverpool.

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"It (Liverpool's interest) was in some English paper, but I know nothing specific about it. I have not discussed it with anyone," Kadlec told isport.blesk.cz.

"I know that they were present at our early-season game against Dortmund, which we won 2-0. But I don't know whether there has been any progress since then."

Regarding his contract, Kadlec said: "Will I extend it? It is too early for such thinking, but Leverkusen have announced that the clear objective of this season is to qualify for the Champions League.

"If we fail to get there, then they would probably be forced to sell some players.

"On the other hand, if we manage to qualify, the club would not be willing to release anyone.

"Anyway, to be connected with such a big club (Liverpool) flatters me. Who would not be tempted to play in the Premier League?"

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