LIVERPOOL have defended their £8.6million outlay on agents fees – but they are determined to reduce that figure in 2013.
The Reds were the second biggest spenders on agents in the Premier League for the 12 months up to last September.
Only champions Manchester City (£10.5million) shelled out more and Liverpool’s outlay was up £1.6million compared to the previous year.
“Most clubs are paying the same amount to agents in terms of a percentage of fees,” insisted Reds MD Ian Ayre.
“It comes down to how much you are actually spending. As we are in a building process and changing lots of players that’s going to see a lot of agents fees, but we will always try to reduce that amount.
“Any chief executive or MD will tell you the same thing – like everything in life agents are a mixed bag.
"Some are hugely committed to their players and spend a lot of time watching and supporting their players. Others come in, do the deal and you never see them again.
“Our job is to get the best deal for the football club. They are there to do best they can for their players. It’s a necessary part of business.
“It’s the nature of the beast but it’s something we are trying to manage prudently and trying to make sure we get value for money.
“We’re trying to make sure agents understand we will only pay for the right contribution from both the agent and the players.”
