Patrik Berger: Not for sale says Houllier (CliveBrunskill/Allsport)

The Liverpool manager moved swiftly to dampen speculation over Berger's future after hearing that Rangers counterpart Dick Advocaat was weighing up a bid for the £6million-rated Czech Republic international.

Reacting to claims that Berger figures prominently on Rangers ' wanted list, Houllier snapped: 'We have not received any bids for Patrik, and they can forget about it, anyway.

' Big clubs do not sell their best players, and that is the situation with Patrik. He is one of our best players, and he is not going anywhere.

'He still has three years left on contract, and his future is with Liverpool. When you look at the fixture demands we will be facing from next month onwards, it is clear we should be looking at strengthening our squad, not weakening it, and that is what I will be trying to do.'

Berger struggled with injury last season but Houllier is delighted, having monitored his form and fitness in pre-season training this week.

'He has been flying and is clearly not far short of being the Patrik Berger of old,' he said. 'He has got his touch back and looks more comfortable with the pace of the game. He is getting back to his old level, and that is good for him and us.'

With Christian Ziege and Bernard Diomede both expected to quit Anfield in the next few weeks, Berger has been earmarked for a starting place on the left of mid-field as Liverpool bid to build on last season's achievements.

Jamie Redknapp is also challenging for a midfield berth after finally emerging from an injury nightmare that left his career in turmoil.

'Jamie has taken part in everything in our preparations so far and should be ready to challenge for a place in the side by the time the season starts,' said Houllier

Liverpool legend Billy Liddell, one of the most complete players of his day, has died aged 79 after losing his long battle against Alzheimer's disease. Liddell still occupies fourth spot in the club 's all-time goalscoring charts with 229 strikes from 536 appearances.

Everton, meanwhile, expect Paul Gascoigne to arrive for the start of pre-season training next week after the wayward midfielder checked out of a rehabilitation clinic in America.

Everton owner Bill Kenwright said: 'Gazza has been in touch and sounds in tremendous spirits.

'He has told me he is in great shape and is raring to go for the start of the season.'