Liverpool keep tabs on Cisse probe

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The Premier League club has appointed lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, famed for his work on the landmark Bosman ruling in the 90s, after being alerted to potential irregularities in the transfer of Djibril Cisse. The club reacted to the French corruption investigation into a number of high-profile transfer deals including the Cisse to Anfield from French Ligue 1 club Auxerre. The investigation in France followed an inquiry into a number of deals by the French Football Federation involving Paris St Germain and it was extended to cover a total of nine clubs. The inquiry has focused on several transfers involving players such as Laurent Charvet, Jean-Alain Boumsong, Martin Djetou, Steve Marlet and Cisse.

The club is not involved in this investigation, but is fearful that they may have been the victims of fraud. "Liverpool could have been a victim of fraud," said Dupont. "Liverpool wants to take a proactive approach on the issue."

Chief executive Rick Parry said that concerns had been raised within the club hierarchy but stressed the club was not jumping to conclusions. "We have been alerted to the fact there is an investigation and we want to become a party to it so we have access to whatever information is available," he said. "We are not suggesting anything untoward has taken place, but the fact there is an investigation means it is prudent for us to know exactly what's happening," he added.

French police who have raided banks in France, Monaco and Switzerland is handling the investigation. It also includes a number of agents, with Scottish agent Willie McKay - based in Monaco – also allegedly subject to a police raid. “Anybody can come in and look at every deal I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t have a problem with that because clubs pay me because they are happy with the service I provide.” Cisse's deal between Auxerre and Liverpool came under scrutiny when his agent, Richard Bettoni and his partner Ranko Stojic, were subject to the French inquiry.

Cisse joined the club 18 months ago in a deal worth around £14 million, but has struggled to make much of an impact after breaking his leg last season and seeing the man who signed him – Gerard Houllier – dismissed.