Liverpool are being linked with a shock move for Everton's unsettled Denmark international midfielder Thomas Gravesen.

Gravesen's current Goodison deal expires next summer and the boardroom uncertainty at the club has made him unwilling to agree a new contract.

With that in mind, Everton could be looking to sell the 28-year-old and their city rivals are reported to be interested.

Nick Barmby and Abel Xavier have both made the switch across Stanley Park in recent seasons, with limited success.

But the loss of Gravesen to the Reds would be particularly galling to Evertonians.

The box-to-box midfielder is a key man in David Moyes' team and losing him from an already-stretched squad would be a major blow on the eve of the new Premiership season.

An Everton spokesperson insisted: "We've heard the rumours about Gravesen but the manager is keen to keep him."

However, an offer of £2.5m from Rafael Benitez would probably see the Blues doing business and they could use the fee to try and lure Michael Carrick away from West Ham.