Liverpool’s new owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are set to make £40 million available for Rafa Benitez to go on a summer spending spree. Pies gives you the lowdown on the players linked with a move to Anfield today.
1 Daniel Alves (Sevilla)
Benitez has been slobbering over the right-sided Brazilian for a long time. The Reds failed to land the full-back/winger last July, but Alves was reported to be keen on the move. Sevilla’s £12 million asking price was thought to be the only stumbling block. Liverpool’s new found millions could be the solution.
Liverpool transfer rumour special continued
2 Deco (Barcelona)
Could be a test of whether Gillett and Hicks’ money really speaks. Deco has been linked with a move to Manchester United or Chelsea, but Liverpool could be ready to take the initiative. The Portuguese community of Stamford Bridge seems a more favourable destination though.
3 Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona)
If Deco is a test of Liverpool’s new spending power, Eto’o might be a bridge too far. With Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all interested – and that is just the Premiership teams – it seems unlikely that the 26-year-old Cameroon international will end up at Anfield.
4 David Villa (Valencia)
Again, it might take another Champions League trophy to convince Villa that Liverpool is the best destination for him. Rafa does love to sweet-talk Spanish talent though and might fancy his chances of bringing the 23-year-old strike to Liverpool.
5 Darren Bent (Charlton)
Rafa’s safety net beneath these lofty transfer targets is thought to be Charlton’s Darren Bent. A bid of £15 million would secure the services of the 23-year-old England striker. Liverpool might even get Bent on he cheap if Charlton are relegated.
Have your say on how to spend Rafa’s millions here.
[Rob Parker]