Manchester United are investigating whether Liverpool made an illegal approach for Gabriel Heinze.

The Argentina defender wants to leave Old Trafford and has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, although Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he will not sell to their fierce rivals.

“Gabriel Heinze will not be joining Liverpool,” Ferguson said.

“We are examining some of the statements coming from his agent and when contact was first made with Liverpool.

“We are not happy with the agent’s conduct in the matter and we are examining that as well, but it will take a couple of days before we have anything more to say.”