Liverpool and kit partner New Balance's High Court case has begun this morning.
The Mirror reports the court heard that a WhatsApp message sent by the club's former commercial director declared a 'matching clause' in the pair's current contract "screws" the Reds from inking a big-money deal with rivals Nike.
The American company are insisting their deal continue as the Reds' kit manufacturer, which runs out in May, amid claims that they have "significantly overstated" their reach - despite producing the two best-selling playing kits in the club's history.
Liverpool have agreed in principle the most lucrative agreement in their history with Nike following extensive negotiations between the pair.
But New Balance have a 'matching clause' which they state allows them to extend their current deal.
A statement from New Balance last month insisted that discussions over renewing their agreement next year were continuing.
