Zidane could grace Goodison

Goodison Park is to welcome some of the world’s most famous footballers at the end of the season.

Zinedine Zidane, Oliver Kahn, Lothar Matthaus and Marcel Desailly are amongst those who it is hoped will take part in a match at Goodison on Saturday 23 May to raise money for charity.

Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer is helping to pull the event together and there will also be high profile games at both Anfield and Prenton Park as the three Merseyside clubs join forces to help Liverpool Unites, Save The Children and The Prince's Trust.

The three-match event has been labelled CAUSE — Children's Aid Using Soccer Events — and Everton’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Elstone, is looking forward to the Goodison leg.

"It’s a magnificent idea and we are delighted to be staging the opening game of the three," he said.

"From speaking to the organizers there will be some huge names from the worlds of football and show-business and I am sure supporters of all three clubs involved will fully embrace and support the games.

"As well as the three nominated charities, each club will also be able to secure funds for their own respective charitable causes."

McAteer is being helped by former team-mate Steve McManaman and also football agent, Dave Lockwood,

"It is dangerous to set numbers, but I think we would hope to raise £1m over three games," announced Lockwood.

"The events will be entertainment showpieces as well as a football matches."

McAteer explained a bit more about the whole concept.

"We have spoken to showbiz stars like Gordon Ramsay, Tim Lovejoy and Chris Evans, while Westlife stars Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan have already confirmed their participation in the first match (at Goodison)," he said.

"It’s all about getting the three Merseyside clubs uniting together in a common cause. Four legends from each of the three clubs will form a Merseyside team, against a European All Stars team."

The second match will be played at Tranmere Rovers later this year with Liverpool staging a third game at Anfield in 2010.