Redknapp injured again but McManaman stays - for now

England midfielder Jamie Redknapp will miss the start of the new season after another knee operation yesterday.

The player is certain to miss the start of England's qualification campaign for the 2000 European Championships which begins with a game in Sweden on Setember 5th.

Redknapp withdrew from the England World Cup squad after a knee injury failed to heal oin time for France. This time the operation was to repair a torn cartilage in the left knee. Redknapp has been the subject of much transfer speculation after injuries have wrecked his chances with Liverpool and the national side in recent years. AS Roma, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been interested in the player during the last season but he is rarely fit enough to win place in the Liverpool first team.

Michael Owen will miss the start of pre-season games with Liverpool and is not expected to play until late next week.

Steve McManaman was the subject of a flippant bid on Tuesday by Newcastle United in a fax but the player has begun negotiating a new contract with Liverpool as his present deal expires at the end of the current season. At that point he could leave on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling. Spain is still the likeliest destination if that occurs but Liverpool are seeking to tie him down to another long term deal.