Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez played down claims by Sunderland
counterpart Steve Bruce that the club have been "disrespectful" in
their attempts to sign Black Cats striker Kenwyne Jones.
Bruce said last week that the Reds had tried to unsettle the
Trinidad and Tobago international, whom Benitez is believed to want
to sign on loan to cover for a six-week lay-off to striker Fernando
Torres.
Benitez today insisted he had not been involved at all in any
negotiations and was concentrating on football matters.
"I was not dealing with this," said the Liverpool boss.
"(Managing director) Christian Purslow has been talking with
(Sunderland chairman) Niall Quinn so they have to manage the
situation because I was not doing anything.
"I prefer not to talk too much because we will create a
debate so Christian and Niall will continue to talk if they need to
talk.
"They were in contact but I don't know what the situation is
now."
On Friday, Bruce said: "I find it hugely disrespectful, the
antics of Liverpool and this constant badgering of Kenwyne Jones,
when we as a club haven't heard anything.
"I don't know whether they are serious or whether Rafa is
playing games with his board. It might be power games at
Liverpool."
Privately Liverpool are understood to be angry at Bruce's
comments, particularly as it's understood preliminary talks have
been taking place between the clubs since last month.
