The agent of the Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi has claimed Liverpool want to lure the Argentinian to Anfield but that the Italian club have refused to even consider an offer for the 24-year-old.

Lavezzi, who scored seven goals for Napoli last season yet is rated at around £13m, has been linked with Rafael Benítez's team for several months by his adviser, Eduardo Rossetto, who today insisted that a firm offer is on the table from Anfield.

"Liverpool's proposal is true," said Rossetto, whose client has four years remaining on his Napoli contract. "[Napoli's general director Pierpaolo] Marino has met twice with Fifa agent Pablo Cosentino, who has invited him to set up a meeting in Liverpool or in Naples with the English outfit.

"Ezequiel has tried several times to speak to Marino but he has received no response. If Napoli have decided to take this extreme position, so will we. We don't want to force Napoli to sell the player but I think it is correct for the club just to consider the offer, to judge it whether it's sufficient or not."

Liverpool have distanced themselves from Rossetto's claims in the past but with their long-term target David Silva in talks over a move from Valencia to Real Madrid, Benítez remains in the market for a forward who, like Lavezzi, could operate in wide positions and off Fernando Torres next season.

"We never contacted Lavezzi and we have no intention of doing so," said Benítez today. "We want to put a stop to these rumours."

John McMahon has been appointed as Liverpool's new reserve-team coach. McMahon, younger brother of the former Liverpool midfielder Steve, was assistant manager at Shrewsbury Town and replaces Gary Ablett, one of a host of academy staff who have been released by Liverpool in recent weeks.