Thursday, June 14, 2007

Liverpool Make Benayoun Bid


Israel captain verbally agreed a new five-year deal at West Ham but has delayed signing it since hearing of the Reds' interest.

Liverpool have confirmed their interest in West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun, with chief executive Rick Parry today stating the club had made an official approach.

Israel captain Benayoun has put off signing a new five-year deal at West Ham - which he verbally agreed three weeks ago - after hearing of Liverpool's interest.

There has been speculation that Liverpool offered as little as £1m for him, though other reports put the figure closer to £3m.

"I can confirm we have made an approach for Yossi Benayoun," said Parry.

"But the figures quoted are completely wrong. Other than that we don't want to say any more."

West Ham are believed to have rejected the bid and plan talks this week to convince Benayoun to stay in east London, where his new contract will be worth £50,000 a week.