Reports today claim that Liverpool want to offer Glen Johnson a new contract - but only if he is prepared to take a put cut.
Various media outlets report that the Reds are keen to open talks with the England full back about extending a deal that runs until the summer of 2015, but not on its current terms which see Johnson earn anywhere between £110-139k a week depending on which report you believe.
Liverpool had to beat off interest from big spending Chelsea and Manchester City to sign Johnson from Portsmouth in 2009, and the contract he signed at that time reflected that. He signed an extension to that in 2011 - presumably either on the same terms or improved ones - but he's 29 now and will be almost 31 when his present deal runs out.
It's highly unlikely that Liverpool would offer the same terms or higher when it comes to re-negotiating as presently only Steven Gerrard is earning more. The club have been actively reducing the wage bill in the last couple of years and many of the higher earners have been moved on, so it's unsurprising that they are looking at Johnson's situation.
Whilst he is unquestionably overpaid, Johnson is nevertheless a key component of Brendan Rodgers' side and his absence is hurting the team at the moment, with Rodgers admitting; “Glen is the type of player you don’t realise what you’re missing until he’s not in the team.”
“He was outstanding against Manchester United so it will be great when we get him back. He’s got the cast off his foot now and he’s working hard to be back in the next few weeks.”
On the subject of contract talks, Rodgers simply stated; “It’s something the club will take up at the right time. I’m not sure where it’s at.”
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