Liverpool FC under fire as Crewe's Dario Gradi alleges illegal approach for Max Clayton Sep 8 2009 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post LIVERPOOL FC are the latest club to come under scrutiny for the manner in which they recruit young talent after Crewe Alexandra alleged an illegal approach for one of their players. Crewe director of football Dario Gradi made the revelation in the wake of FIFA’s decision to ban Chelsea from signing any players until January 2011. And while Gradi did not name the club or player in question, it refers to Liverpool’s interest in teenage starlet Max Clayton. “We have a situation where one of our 15-year-olds has been approached,†said Gradi, who was Crewe manager between 1983 and 2007. “He is an outstanding player by any standards and he has come in and told us that he wants to leave right now to join a big club.†Despite their obvious displeasure at the situation, Crewe have not yet lodged an official complaint with the Football Association. And, aware of the fallout concerning the Chelsea case, Liverpool are likely to offer Crewe a generous level of compensation for Clayton which could rise to as much as £1m. The Anfield outfit can sign the player when he comes out of scholarship next March, and if the two clubs fail to reach agreement over the fee it would be determined by a tribunal. That, though, could be less than £100,000, and such a prospect has alarmed Gradi, who added: “What sort of compensation are we going to get for all the work that has gone into developing him? Any compensation is insignificant for the effort that gone in. “We lost a 12-year-old to Everton. He was our best 12-year-old. The lure is that the bigger clubs pay big expenses. “It is so hard to protect your players. All this goes against the morality of the game – it’s the rich robbing the poor. At least Fifa have given the smaller clubs hope.†Clayton will soon turn 16 and despite being at the club since he was seven years old, a loophole in the rules means he can give notice he wants to leave for another club. Liverpool are keen to avoid any of the bad publicity attracted by Chelsea and United in recent weeks, and will offer a package that, depending on the player’s progress at Anfield, could reach £1m.
To be honest im just glad we are out there trying to sign the best kids as we can't afford to sit back and let our rivals do it as we take the moral high ground
I reckon several teams may have good cases against United. It's been no secret that they're very sly in the transfer market
this whole area needs to be sorted out soon something should be put in place that no one under say the age of 17 can sign for another club, not fair on the smaller clubs who develope these young players from a early age only for them to be snapped up by the bigger clubs at a cut price
If under 17 are banned from moving then that is a restraint of their freedom of movement and totally against EU law, i just think htere should be better levels of compensation imposed
I think this is all going to get a bit silly now with claims right left and centre and I am sure most big clubs are guilty of acting not 100% tot he laws!
At least we would not have to worry about a transfare ban, as we will have a self imposed one with the two con men pocketing any spare money going !
Gerry you wouldn't know if them 2 would put in a tip off to relieve pressure on them having to spend any money. It wouldnt make much of a difference since the club havn't spent any money in 2 years anyway. Unless Piggy and Persie go I can't see that changing in the next few transfer windows
The recruitment of younger players by bigger sides from lower division teams has been going on for years and once the deal is agreeable on both sides then there is no issue - however it is right that the practise of "poaching" these kids is being looked at as it's unfair on clubs who have invested in their academies I'm just very surprised that we are in this situation with Crewe as we have always had an excellent relationship with Crewe over the years
That's exactly what I said to my Crewe-supporting mate last night so I'm really stunned at this! Then again there is no proof it is us Dario's going on about, just seems to be people making assumptions at the minute! Let's wait and see if/when we're reported 1st! At end of the day if they are going to get up to £1million off us for a flipping 15-year-old seems a bit rich complaining doesnt it?
Was reported in the Echo mate so does look like it was us unfortunately Fine line between taking advantage of loopholes in the system & overstepping the mark, hopefully we've covered ourselves ion our dealings / approach Actually does anyone know is this still only an approach at this stage or have we got him now?
He's still a member of the Crew academy, but if he wants he can just leave after his 16th birthday. So at the moment its an approach, but it has made him want to join a 'big' club.