Holloway challenges Liverpool over chase of Adam

The Blackpool captain requested a transfer yesterday after it was confirmed Liverpool had received a firm no to their 4m offer.

While Adam's demand has not been turned down, neither has it been accepted on the basis that Liverpool's offer comes nowhere close to Blackpool's valuation of a player Holloway feels could be the difference between the Seasiders confounding the odds to remain in the Premier League or dropping back into the Championship.

Holloway has been bombarded with questions about Adam's future over the last few days and, on the eve of his side's eagerly-anticipated tussle with Manchester United tonight, the only conclusion he can draw is that Liverpool do not rate him highly enough.

"If the player is good enough they should sign him. Either put up or shut up," said Holloway.

"They are mad not to want to buy him off us. He could replace Xabi Alonso, which is something they have still not done. They don't have that passer. Charlie is their man and I don't want to stand in his way. But Liverpool's offer is totally unacceptable."

Left-back Stephen Crainey has been ruled out with an ankle injury, so with David Carney still on international duty with Australia at the Asian Cup, Alex Baptiste is the likely deputy.

United's Rafael is available again after suspension.

Wigan will be without suspended captain Gary Caldwell for tonight's visit of Aston Villa.

Arsenal are expected to make changes for tonight's Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Ipswich at Emirates Stadium. Kieran Gibbs, Emmanuel Eboue, Denilson, Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh are all likely to feature.