Liverpool probably cannot afford him. I think they merely started off the bidding process with Man City and Chelsea wading in, however I believe his release clause relates to Champions League and the England manager has ben pressing him to get CL experience ahead of the world cup. Of course, Chelsea could activate the release agreement, and that basically means he is available to any club, because Pompey would then take the highest bid regardless of CL involvement. Either way, it aint liverpool.