Manchester United could be about to trump Liverpool with a bid for Blackpool talisman Charlie Adam.
The influential midfielder was expected to leave the seaside outfit for Anfield, but negotiations appear to have broken down after manager Ian Holloway admitted chairman Karl Oyston is refusing to take calls from the Merseyside club.
Holloway told Liverpool’s Daily Echo newspaper: “Damien Comolli has now tried to contact Karl but he hasn’t returned his calls.
“He hasn’t got to has he? It’s pretty rude isn’t it but if we run out of time….
“He (Oyston) is trying to get people in before he deals with someone else.”
Blackpool have now signed Andy Reid from Sunderland until the end of the season – leaving the door open for Adam to leave.
But Liverpool’s apparent breakdown in talks may give Man United the opportunity to pounce.
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson a keen admirer of the fellow Scot, whose deadly set-pieces led to two goals against United last week.
Sky Bet has now slashed odds on Adam joining United from 8/1 to 1/4.