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Heinze loses transfer battle August 21 2007

Gabriel Heinze has lost his battle to force Manchester United to sell him to Premier League rivals Liverpool.

A two-day Premier League inquiry has decided that a letter, signed by David Gill confirming that the champions would be willing to sell the 29-year-old for a sum of £6.8million, did not constitute a definitive undertaking from United to offload Heinze.

The Argentina international contended that once Reds boss Rafael Benitez had matched the figure stated, he should be allowed to become the first player to move from Old Trafford to Anfield since Phil Chisnal in 1962.

"The Premier League Board appointed panel have heard submissions of evidence from both parties and has ruled to dismiss the player's case," said a Premier League statement.

The Red Devils have declared their satisfaction with the Premier League's decision not to force them to sell Heinze to their bitter north-west rivals.

"We are pleased that the panel has endorsed our case," said a United spokesman.

Both Gill and Ferguson attended the hearing, with the Premier League champions maintaining they made it clear to Heinze both orally and in writing that he would not be permitted to join one of their title rivals.

So, it now appears that if the South American is intent on leaving the club he will have to move abroad, with Lyon supposedly among the interested parties.

The Premier League statement added: "The hearing concluded that nature and intention of the disputed 13 June 2007 letter, especially when taken in context of verbal discussions and Manchester United FC's transfer policy, was unambiguous in that it envisages only an international transfer.

"Furthermore the hearing finds the letter constitutes an 'agreement to agree', and did not create an obligation or binding agreement for the club to transfer the player to any particular club.

"In other words the letter is evidence of an intention to negotiate, both between the parties and with potential buying clubs, and not evidence of any intention to create legal relations."

Heinze does have the right to appeal to the Premier League appeals committee, which is made up of an independent, legally-qualified chairman, a member of the Premier League panel and a PFA appointee

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