Inter Milan manager Rafa Benitez has refused to enter a war of words with Roy Hodgson regarding the transfers of Javier Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt.
The Reds duo have both been linked with moves to the Nerazzurri in recent days, where they could potentially be reunited with their former boss at the San Siro.
Benitez spent six years at Anfield before leaving the club in the summer, but despite guiding Liverpool to UEFA Champions League glory in 2005, could not get his hands on that elusive Premier League title.
New Reds boss Hodgson claims the Spanish tactician agreed not to try and sign any of his old players when he left for Italy, but Inter are pursuing the signatures of both Mascherano and Kuyt.
Argentinian midfielder Mascherano seems certain to leave before the end of the transfer window, and Inter have made a bid thought to be worth £20million for the player, although Barcelona are also in the race to secure his services.
Benitez would not be drawn on his alleged 'broken promise', and insists he has no say in what players come into the club
"FACT - I will not talk about this because I am the coach," he said.
"FACT - The coach cannot sign any players. It has to be the technical director and the chairman. The club can do it. I am the coach, not the manager - FACT."
Mascherano did not play for Liverpool against Manchester City on Monday night, and did not travel with the squad for their Europa League clash in Turkey on Thursday.
Hodgson is keen to recoup the money spent on bringing the Argentina captain to Anfield, but wants to get any deal done soon so as to make additions before the end of the transfer window.
ok, ok, slightly edited by me and thats a FACT
What he does not tell is the FACT he would of given his recommendations to the board in terms of players Inter should pursue. So he is kinda not telling the full truth me thinks.