PETER VARNEY, Charlton’s chief executive, has dismissed a national newspaper report that manager Alan Curbishley was the subject of an illegal approach by Liverpool.

The report claimed the approach took place in the Anfield boardroom after Charlton’s 1-0 win on Easter Monday and alleged Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry “bent the ear” of Curbishley about replacing Gerard Houllier. It also stated there was a strong faction within the Liverpool boardroom who wanted him appointed immediately.

When Liverpool parted company with Houllier last month, Curbishley was immediately installed as favourite to succeed him.

But Mr Varney said: “How do you prove this kind of allegation unless someone turns up with photographs? Even then, that’s not conclusive. There is no way you can take action on hearsay alone.

"But the most interesting aspect of this story is that Alan Curbishley was never in the Liverpool boardroom that day. In fact, Alan never goes into boardrooms, that’s left to the assistant manager Keith Peacock.”

Mr Varney confirmed Charlton have not received an official approach from Liverpool to speak to Curbishley, who has just returned from a holiday in Portugal.

Liverpool are thought to favour a move for Rafael Benitez, whose Valencia side won the Spanish League and UEFA Cup this season. Benitez resigned from the club on Tuesday and now looks destined for Anfield.

However, should Liverpool fail in their bid to lure the Spaniard, Curbishley is next on the wanted list.

When he signed a new three-year deal in February, it is believed a get-out clause was negotiated allowing him to move to one of the Premiership’s top clubs if they bought out the remainder of his contract. His signature would cost Liverpool £4m.