HOULLIER NETS WINDFALL

GERARD HOULLIER has been handed a £20 million bonus into his transfer kitty, just when renewed reports were linking Liverpool with a swoop for Middlesbrough's German international Christian Ziege.

Having already spent £50 million on players Houllier will be pleased with the unexpected windfall, a result of commercial partners Granada Media forming a new company called Liverpool FC Broadband.

The aim of the new company is to cash in on the global media and commercial rights that are associated with the football club, Granada paid £22 million last year for a 9.9 per cent stake in Liverpool and The Reds will receive another £20 million for a 50 per cent stake in the new venture.

Other ideas in the pipeline include a £20 million development of entertainment, e-commerce, education and personalised services.  New digital technology will be used to transmit matches over the net and other media.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: "This is a long-term business venture that will enable us to participate in a global platform and develop the brand.

"But an immediate injection of £20 million is very welcome and will support our primary objective of securing success on the pitch."