Benitez: Torres Making Good Progress, As Are The Rest

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez provided an update on his stricken stars, whilst also revealing that Fernando Torres is making good progress in his aim to get back to fitness for Saturday’s Merseyside derby.

The £23m pound Spanish striker is currently working with the Reds medical team after suffering an adductor injury whilst with the national side, which effectively ruled him out of Spain’s Euro 2008 qualifier win over Denmark last weekend.

"He is much better and improving," said Benitez today.

"At the moment though it is too early to say anything about the weekend.

"It's always a risk when a player has an injury and we have to be careful. He is back with us now and working with the physios."

Benitez also delivered positive injury bulletins for both Dirk Kuyt and Harry Kewell as they both set their sights on a place in the squad this weekend.

"Dirk did the warm-up this morning with us and hopefully he'll be okay for the Everton game.

"The news with Harry is very positive as he did the warm up as well. For him, though, it's too early to talk about the weekend."

Metatarsal victims Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger are also continuing their recoveries, with Alonso able to do some light running this morning and Agger working in the gym.

Alonso Relishing Merseyside Derby

The Merseyside derby is one of the keenest fought derbies in Premiership football and Xabi Alonso feels Liverpool’s foreign contingent are just as motivated to get a positive result as his Scouse team mates, in this, the 206th meeting of two historic clubs.

Manager Rafael Benitez has brought many foreign payers to Anfield during his reign, but Spanish midfield intenational, Xabi Alonso, feels the importance of the derby is not lost on Liverpool’s foreign contingent.

The midfielder is a doubt for the game, as he is recovering from a metatarsal injury but recognises the importance of the rivalry to the fans.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv "I don't know how you would compare who feels what, but the foreign lads always know it's a special game.

"You pick up on the atmosphere when you're out and about, of course. Everyone on both sides can't wait for kick-off – it's a really big day for the city.

"We know how much it means to the people. They have family who might support the other team and they talk about it.

"The excitement is the same amongst the players. I'm looking forward to it, though of course this week it's different because the whole squad is not here. We'll only have two days together as a squad.

"But it's against the other team from this city, and for the fans it means a lot. I don't know if it means more for the local lads than the foreign players, but I'm pretty sure we'll be as committed as them."

Liverpool need a victory to keep their league title aspirations alive, in what is an important month for the club, as they face Besitkas in the Champions League next week followed by the visit of league leaders Arsenal, to Anfield.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Declares Reds Striker Peter Crouch Is Not For Sale

Striker Peter Crouch, who is reportedly unhappy not to be playing regularly due to the rotation policy being followed at Anfield, will not be sold, declared Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Amidst speculations over the England striker’s future since summer with the likes of Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin joining the Reds, reports suggested that Newcastle United, Manchester City and Portsmouth are interested in the former Southampton hit-man.

Benitez said in the Liverpool Echo: “People have been talking about Peter Crouch for two months, but he is our player and we don’t want to sell him.

“He is a nice boy, a good professional, a good player.

“It is clear that this team now with four strikers creates more competition for places, but I don’t have any problems because Crouch is a good player.”

Crouch was the top-scorer for the Reds last season but has started just one Premiership game this season, as Benitez has largely used the combination from Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Voronin.

Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez has disclosed his excitement at looking at all sorts of combinations between four of his strikers and finding that all – Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Andriy Voronin and Peter Crouch – are “equal.”

The Reds have been perched atop the Premiership table for the first time in five years with eleven goals scored in their opening four games.

As such, the Merseysiders have got off to a bright start that they were eyeing in this sesaon’s top-flight competition, which they haven’t won for last 17 years.

"The understanding between Torres and Kuyt is fine, but then when it was Kuyt and Voronin that was good also. It is the same when Crouch is playing with Torres, Voronin or Kuyt, I am pleased with all the combinations,” claimed Benitez.

"All of them know what we want, their movement is good and I am sure it will improve even more over the coming weeks.

"Now we have four players with quality and different skills. I can now manage in a different way because you know all of them can score goals.

"You cannot say that Torres will score more goals that Kuyt, Voronin or Crouch. They can all score and they are all equal.”

Benitez: We Will Improve, Despite Frustration

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez praised his team for their good early-season work, but has now instructed them to improve and maintain their current unbeaten run.

Liverpool trail Premiership leaders Arsenal by 6 points at the moment and are struggling in the Champions League, leading coach Rafael Benitez to reveal the sense of "frustration" around Anfield after such a positive start early in the campaign.

The Spanish manager told LiverpoolFC.tv, "Because we had started really well people were thinking perhaps this could be our year.

"Then we lost some points and then people thought, maybe not. I think there is frustration around the team."

It's true that Liverpool have gone off the rails of late, leaving Benitez to wonder whether or not his team's ideal start to the season did not have its costs.

"Sometimes you don't know if it's better to start really well or a little bit slower and continue progressing," he mused.

Nonetheless, the solution was clear. He added, "I think we are in a good position at the moment but it's true that we need to improve.

"It's important we have kept the unbeaten run going. It really was a little disappointing after the Tottenham game because we conceded two goals, two big mistakes, but we continue unbeaten and that's important."

Eventually, Benitez concluded that the mixed runs of form, while far from being perfect, were worth it overall due to Liverpool's enhanced place in the domestic standings.

What's more, he defended his rotation policy as being vital to keeping the team fresh and winning over the winter months.

"I think we are in a better position than last year. That is important," he emphasised.

"If we continue to be close to the top of the table, in two or three months and continue to change players I think we will be capable of doing something at the end of the season."

Benitez took over at Anfield in 2004 and has won both the UEFA Champions League and the Super Cup with the Reds.

Peter Crouch Can Play Key Role

Peter Crouch may have been deemed surplus to requirements by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, and while he still hasn't scored a goal this season in eight outings for club and country, the towering striker could still play an important role for England in Moscow.

While I am sure Steve McClaren will decide to persevere with Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney as his first-choice strikers, despite their failure to hit it off against Estonia, I reckon Crouch will form the basis of the head coach's Plan B and will no doubt prosper.

If things fail to click between Owen and Rooney again, and England are struggling, then I'd expect Crouch to be introduced because it was plain at Wembley last month that Russia are vulnerable to any aerial threat.

Russia will have been relieved that Emile Heskey won't be heading to Moscow because they were unable to cope with his power and industry. With Dean Ashton injured, Crouch is the obvious option if England are to attempt to exploit glaring shortcomings.

Crouch isn't as muscular as his Wigan counterpart, but at 6ft 7in you would bank on him to get on the end of crosses and high balls which the Russian defence and goalkeeper will be dreading.

At Wembley they were woefully weak and committed the cardinal sin of being pushed further and further back by Heskey to the delight of Owen, who helped himself to the second of his two goals at Wembley thanks to Russian frailties.

Guus Hiddink will strive to address those shortcomings but the fact remains that the goalkeeper, Vyacheslav Malafeev, might be decent when it comes to shot-stopping but would hate crosses aimed at Crouch and long balls into the area.

I'm sure McClaren and Terry Venables will both sit down at chat with Owen and Rooney to work out why they didn't combine effectively against Estonia to find a solution.

But I expect McClaren to keep faith with that duo in his starting line-up and will tell them they're both good enough and smart enough to make their partnership work. If they don't, Crouch will put the fear of god into the Russian back line.

Torres Determined To Play Against Everton

'I don't want to miss out on the derby, because it is such an important game'

The Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is confident he will recover from a thigh strain in time for Saturday's derby with Everton at Goodison Park.

Torres suffered the injury in training with Spain last Friday, and was initially expected to be out for eight to 10 days, but insisted today he was determined to play in his first Merseyside derby.

"I intend to be fit for the Everton game on Saturday," said Torres. "I don't want to miss out on the derby, because it is such an important game."

Torres, who has scored seven goals for Liverpool since joining in the summer, is now undergoing fitness work at the club's Melwood training headquarters in a bid to prove his fitness.

"Fernando has been assessed by the club's medical staff and underwent a scan which confirmed an adductor injury," confirmed Liverpool's spokesman Ian Cotton. "He will now undergo intensive treatment at Melwood."

Date Set To Decide Fate Of Liverpool FC's New Stadium

A crucial decision on Liverpool FC’s revised plans for its new stadium on Stanley Park will be made on October 30.

A special sitting of the city council’s planning committee will spend the day studying the proposals before making a final decision on the £300m project.

Last night, city council regeneration executive member Cllr Mike Storey said: “The right decision on the day will pave the way for a start on the new stadium early in 2008. This is so important not just for the club, but the Anfield community and the city as a whole.

“Liverpool FC is so crucial to our growing tourism sector. On match days every hotel room in the city is taken. I am delighted to see the scheme moving forward and look forward to seeing work start as soon as possible.”

Previous plans have already won approval and supporters of the new scheme are confident of winning official backing for the amended planning application.

Committee members will head for Stanley Park for a visit to the proposed stadium site before debating the scheme.

Last night, council sources said the American owners of the club, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, were pulling out all the stops to ensure planning documents and drawings were ready in time for what will be a crucial meeting.

US-based architects and planners are currently working alongside British design teams and the city council’s planning department.

The move comes just weeks after the final slice of public funding for the Stanley Park project was agreed by the board of the Northwest Regional Development Agency. The board agreed to an award of £9.3m to add to the £9m already given from the European Objective 1 fund.

The public cash will go towards refurbishing Stanley Park and building a new community partnership centre alongside the new ground. It is hoped the improvement scheme will give historic Stanley Park its biggest-ever facelift.

If the new plans are agreed at the end of this month, it will enable work on the new ground to start early in 2008, with opening planned for the start of the 2010/11 season.

The new plans are vastly different to the original proposals, hence the new planning application.

The scale of the project remains the same, with permission being sought for a 60,000-seater stadium, but there will be the possibility of extensions to add thousands of extra seats.

Ryan Babel Dropped By Holland For Oversleeping

Ryan Babel, the Liverpool midfielder, was omitted from Holland's team for Saturday's 2008 European Championship qualifying match with Romania because of oversleeping, according to coach Marco van Basten.

Van Basten picked Real Madrid's Arjen Robben in place of Babel as a punishment after the Anfield player twice missed team meetings.

"It was the second time that Babel overslept on a match day," Van Basten said. "That should never happen. That's why I left him out of the team. Robben trained hard and he is fit, so he played instead."

The Holland coach admitted Babel might feel deflated by the snub. "It is very well possible that Babel feels disappointed. It is also not my style to handle these kinds of things this way. But we also expect that players obey rules during a match.

"The first time that he arrived too late, he settled the matter with a joke. The second time he joined us too late for the meal and that was a bit too much. He has to appear on time, just like all the others."

Babel, 20, came into the match in the 78th-minute as substitute for Robben but could not prevent the Dutch from losing 1-0 to Romania in a clash between the two group leaders in Group G. Dorin Goian scored the only goal of the game.

Romania need five points from their last three games to be sure of qualifying for Euro 2008 while Holland are only two points ahead of third-placed Bulgaria.

Benitez Has No Fears Over Momo

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has backed under-fire midfielder Mohamed Sissoko to regain his best form for the club in the near future.

Sissoko has come under-fire in recent weeks for some below-par displays as the Reds have struggled to reproduce their early season form.

Benitez admits the Mali international is short of confidence, but the former Valencia chief is confident the all-action midfielder will bounce back.

"I see he is giving everything to play well," Benitez told the club's official website. "For our supporters that is the first thing any player must do.

"Momo was a key player when we won 82 points in the Premier League. Now we need to give him time to allow him to regain his confidence.

"I spoke to him after the Marseille game and said 'keep going.' He knows how I work because I managed him when he was 18 at Valencia, where he won the league and UEFA Cup with me.

"He knows I have a lot of confidence in him. I will push him and I will try to improve him."

Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed the departure of Pako Ayestaran as Benitez's assistant manager.

Benitez revealed last month Ayestaran was leaving Anfield after a reported bust-up between the pair.

A number of Spanish clubs and English sides were thought to be waiting in the wings to offer Ayestaran a job, but Liverpool have blocked any move for the highly-rated coach as he remains contracted to the club until the summer of 2008 as a result of the severance package.

"Following discussions between Rafael Benitez and Pako Ayestaran, it has been agreed that it would be in the best interests of all parties if Pako leaves his post as assistant manager," Reds chief executive RickParry told the club's official website.

"Pako, however, will remain under contract to us until next summer.

"The club want to thank Pako for his hard work and contribution to our success over the past three years."

Liverpool & Chelsea Linked With Athletic Bilbao Defender Fernando Amorebieta

Liverpool and Chelsea are linked with Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta.

According to reports in Spain, the Premiership giants are keeping a close watch on the 22-year-old Venezuela-born versatile defender, with a move said to be likely in the January transfer window.

The highly-rated Amorebieta, who has reportedly been watched by scouts of the Reds and Blues, sounded happy with the interest from the English clubs.

"I have not spoken to any English club, but their interest makes me determined to work to improve in Bilbao. England is a competitive league," he said.

Liverpool’s Aurelio To Move On After Injury Deprived Him Of Champions League Final & Brazil Chance

Liverpool full-back Fabio Aurelio has rued the timing of his injury blows so far in his career, but has expressed determination to move on.

The 28-year-old left-sided player joined the Reds in 2006 summer from Valencia, but had been pegged back by injury blows in his debut season, wherein he also missed being a part of the Champions League final against AC Milan.

In the past, he has missed out on earning his debut for Brazil due to injury setback.

"Missing out on a potential place in a Champions League final was a big blow for me," said Aurelio on the club’s official website.

"When I injured my knee at Valencia that also came at a bad time for me, towards the end of the season. I was top scorer at the club and had also been selected to play for Brazil.

"I couldn't go with my country in the end and missed the last three or four games of the Spanish season.

"That was a bad time, just as it was last season when I got injured. But I can't afford to think about what might have been.

"You have to leave these things behind and move on. At times like these, you need to be strong and have a lot of patience. In turn, you become stronger for it."

Liverpool FC Confirm Pako Ayestaran Departure

Pako Ayestaran is to step down from his position as assistant manager at Liverpool FC, the club announced today.

He will, however, remain contracted to the club through to June 30, 2008.

Chief executive Rick Parry said: "Following discussions between Rafael Benitez and Pako Ayestaran, it has been agreed that it would be in the best interests of all parties if Pako leaves his post as assistant manager.

"Pako, however, will remain under contract to us until next summer.

"The club want to thank Pako for his hard work and contribution to our success over the past three years."

It is believed there had been simmering tension between the pair, and Benitez was known to be disappointed when former assistant Paco Ayestaran was “too friendly” with ex Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after the clubs drew 1-1 at Anfield earlier this season.

That incident is believed to have been one of the reasons for the tensions between Benitez and Ayestaran coming to a head.

Ayestaran moved with Benitez from Valencia in the summer of 2004 and was described on Liverpool FC's website as being 'instrumental in planning training.'

Today's statement confirms what many had taken as already confirmed. Today's statement would appear to serve warning to other clubs, particularly Spanish ones rumoured to be interested in him, that he remains under contract at Liverpool.

Ayestaran's non-involvement in recent weeks has been blamed for Liverpool's recent poor form.

But when challenged on that Benitez said in the Liverpool Daily Post: “I do not believe that the management changes have affected the situation.

“We have been analysing the data regarding our players and we are running more, covering more ground and our physical condition is fantastic.

“With regards to the coaching, I was coaching with the team before. I am not a traditional English manager sitting in an office, I am always on the pitch with the players.

“I was on the pitch before, I was on the pitch today and I will be on the pitch tomorrow.”

Barca Set Sights On Mascherano

Stand by for the Tevez Affair Mk II. Barcelona are planning to test Liverpool's desire to hang on to Argentine star Javier Mascherano at the end of the season.

Like his fellow countryman Carlos Tevez, Mascherano's transfer rights are owned by Kia Joorabchian's company and Liverpool must pay MSI £20 million if they wish to make Mascherano their own.

With FIFA planning new rules on third-party ownership, Liverpool have stalled in talks, presumably hoping that they will drive a better deal if there are more stringent rules on the practice that was highlighted by Tevez's protracted move from West Ham to Old Trafford.

Barcelona would expect to get Mascherano for less than £20m, but they could yet outbid Liverpool.

Lucas Almost Steals Win For Reserves

Liverpool Reserves dominated the game, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Manchester United last night in the Barclays FA Premier Reserve League North.

The outstanding Jay Spearing gave Gary Ablett’s side a well-deserved lead after 34 minutes, when he finished well after Lucas Leiva had cleverly laid Sebastian Leto’s cross into his path.

Leto led the United defence a merry dance at times, and was harshly booked for diving when he was blatantly tripped in the penalty area. Spearing almost added a second just before the break, but his rasping drive was turned over the bar at full stretch by United keeper Zieler.

Spearing was denied by the keeper again after the break, while Leto wasted a good chance when he shot wildly over the bar.

United equalised with their first serious attack of the half when Lee headed in a Barnes cross with eight minutes remaining.

Goalkeeper Charles Itandje then saved well from Barnes, before Liverpool rallied again and almost regained the lead through Jack Hobbs, his header rolling across the face of goal and just eluding the in rushing Mikel San Jose Dominguez.

Deep into stoppage time Lucas almost won it for Liverpool when he rose well to meet another great Leto cross, but his header struck the inside of the post.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES: Zieler, Gray, Eckersley A, Eckersley R, Chester, Lee, Cleveley (Drinkwater 72), Hewson, Dong, Fagan (Wellbeck 62), Barnes.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES: Itandje, Darby, Insua, San Jose, Hobbs, Plessis (Flynn 78), Putterill (Crowther 62), Spearing, Brouwer (Lindfield 75), Lucas, Leto.

Kewell Return Expected

Harry Kewell is expected to return to full training at Liverpool next week.

The Australia midfielder has not kicked a ball for the Anfield club this season after picking up a groin injury while playing for his country in the Asian Cup in the summer.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv: "Harry has been working really hard with the physios and next week he could be training or running with the rest of the first team."

He added: "Harry is very important for us. A player with pace and ability who can score goals is always going to be important."

This could well be the last chance Kewell gets to extend his stay at Liverpool. Several teams were interested in his services during the summer, but Benitez wanted to give the former Leeds winger every chance to prove his value to the club.

But if Kewell fails to establish himself in the squad this time, he is likely to be surplus to requirements at the end of the season.

Despite heavy spending on bringing new wide midfielders to the club in Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun, Benitez insists Kewell still has a role to play at Anfield.

He said: "It's clear he's someone with great quality and experience and we need these kind of players for the rest of the season."

Fernando Torres Blow Rocks Liverpool FC

Liverpool suffered a major Merseyside derby blow last night when Fernando Torres was ruled out for “eight to 10 days”.

Spain’s team doctor Genaro Borras delivered the grim news after Liverpool’s record signing hobbled away from a training session in Aarhus yesterday when he tore a muscle in his right leg.

He was immediately ruled out of his country’s Euro 2008 qualifier in Denmark tonight and will also miss Spain’s friendly in Finland on Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will now be desperate for Torres to defy Borras’s diagnosis in the hope the damage can be repaired in time for the Goodison Park showdown in a week’s time.

Benitez already had one scare concerning his top scorer – who has hit the net seven times already in his debut season in England – when he was forced to sit out training with an ankle knock on Wednesday.

But his much-publicised worst fears about losing players to international duty appear to have been realised after Torres sustained the injury that could deny him his first Merseyside derby appearance next Saturday.

Should Torres fail to face Everton, the race will then be on for him to recover for the Champions League group game in Turkey against Besiktas a week on Wednesday, with Liverpool needing a win after only taking one point from their first two games.

Benitez’s side then faces Premier League leaders Arsenal at Anfield the following Sunday, a game which Torres, as things stand, should be fit for.

Meanwhile, Harry Kewell is expected to return to full training at Liverpool next week after the groin injury he picked up playing for Australia in the Asian Cup in the summer.

And manager Benitez is now hoping Kewell can prove his fitness and press for a place in the squad.

Benitez said: “Harry has been working really hard and next week he could be training or running with the rest of the first team. Harry is very important for us. A player with pace and ability who can score goals is always going to be important.”

Gerrard Tried To Stop Carra Quitting

England's Steven Gerrard has revealed he tried to persuade Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher to "stay involved" with the national side.

However, he has every confidence in Sol Campbell to fill the breach left by injured captain John Terry.

With Terry sidelined by a knee problem Carragher would have been a strong contender to face Estonia in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley had he not called time on his international career.

But the centre-back is concentrating all his energies on the Reds to leave 33-year-old Campbell earning a recall after a two-year absence for his country.

The Portsmouth player may also be required for the vital clash with Russia in Moscow on Wednesday if Terry fails to recover in time.

Gerrard, who is leading the side in Terry's absence, said: "I've got no worries about Sol. He is experienced. His form for Portsmouth has been very good.

"Against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago, he was fantastic. I am sure he will come in and do a great job for England.

"Do I wish Jamie Carragher was still involved with England? I tried my best to keep Jamie involved, not just as a friend but because I still thought he had something to offer the country for a bit longer.

"Jamie has made his decision and we have to respect that but I did try my best to keep him involved."

Gerrard has warned of the need for England's players not to pick up needless yellow cards with Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole facing suspension for the Moscow game if they are booked against the Estonians.

He said: "It is not easy to shut yellow cards out of your mind at all because the game is quick. Sometimes you can pick up a yellow card for doing virtually next to nothing these days.

"If you have got a yellow card, you have got to be very careful, very professional and, if we are leading, you've got to be careful you don't pick up a silly yellow card and be out on Wednesday."

England coach McClaren has to decide whether to recall Frank Lampard or persevere with Gareth Barry who impressed against Israel and Russia when the Chelsea player was injured.

He said: "Frank and Gareth are both great midfielders. We will have to wait and see what the manager does but Gareth was fantastic in the last two games.

"I think he will be a bit hard done by if he was dropped.

"He was man of the match in both games but that's a difficult decision for the manager and he wants everyone fit and available and pushing for places."

Liverpool Eye Brazilian Star Afonso Alves

Rafael Benitez is tracking Brazilian striker Afonso Alves as he contemplates another spending spree in the January transfer window.

Alves is one of several names under consideration by the Liverpool manager, who can expect further backing from the club’s co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

And Benitez’s interest would suggest Peter Crouch is heading for an Anfield exit in the new year.

Alves is one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe and scored an incredible seven times for Dutch club Heerenveen on Sunday in their 9-0 victory over Eredivisie rivals Heracles Almelo.

The 26-year-old forward cost Heerenveen a club record £3million when arriving from Malmo ahead of last season, and went on to score 34 goals in 31 league games before being named Holland’s player of the year.

Alves, who has seven caps for Brazil, was a target for Middlesbrough during the close season and would cost in the region of £8m.

Benitez is also thought to still be monitoring another Brazilian, Roma’s stepover king Alessandro Mancini.

The Liverpool manager ruled out a move for the left winger during the summer, but is aware Mancini has fallen out with Roma coach Luciano Spalletti and is reportedly seeking a move in January.

Lyon are favourites to sign the player but Liverpool would be able to offer a better package to the 27-year-old.

PSG defender Bernard Mendy is another player on Benitez’s list of possibilities. The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and would be available in January for a small fee.

Mendy, who spent the 2002-03 campaign on loan at Bolton Wanderers, operates on the right side of defence.

Meanwhile, Dirk Kuyt has handed Liverpool an early derby injury scare after pulling out of Holland’s squad for their forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Romania and Slovenia.

Kuyt has remained at Melwood to undergo treatment on a hamstring strain suffered during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Dutch striker will definitely miss Saturday’s away game against Romania.

But while Holland have not ruled the forward out of the home game with Slovenia the following Wednesday, it is thought unlikely Kuyt will have recovered in time to play.

Benitez Set For Spending Spree

Rafael Benitez will raid the Anfield war chest to strengthen his ailing squad in January.

The Liverpool manager revealed last week that he still has over £20million to spend after clearing the decks by selling unwanted players during the summer.

And the Mirror has discovered that he has been tracking FOUR players - with a view to signing at least one of them when the transfer window opens at the turn of the year.

The Spaniard's priority is a defender after injury to Daniel Agger and the loss of form of full-backs Steve Finnan and John Arne Riise.

Chief target is Paris St Germain full-back Bernard Mendy, who has been made available and will be sold in January - with Inter Milan, Juventus, Tottenham and Manchester City also interested.

The France international has six months remaining on his contract, and has refused all offers of a new deal, leaving PSG with no option but to try to get as much cash as they can for him.

Mendy, 26, who has been watched all season by Benitez's spies, will cost around £3m, and has already made it clear he wants to leave PSG.

Benitez is still keen on Roma's Amantino Mancini, despite having an offer for the right-sided midfielder rejected in the summer.

The Brazil international has since fallen out with Roma coach Luciano Spalleti in spectacular style and his agent, Gilar Veloz, has been instructed to find him a new club during the transfer window.

Liverpool will face competition from Lyon for Mancini - but they can offer bigger wages. Benitez will be prepared to pay around £8m to land the 27-year old South American.

Scouts from Anfield were at Heerenveen at the weekend to watch Brazilian striker Afonso Alves rattle in an incredible seven goals to set a scoring record in the Dutch League.

The Brazil international was top scorer in Holland last season with 34 goals, but when he demanded a move Heerenveen priced him out of the market at £12m.

Benitez knows Peter Crouch could leave in January and will seek to replace him with Alves.

Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Monaco's attacking midfielder Jeremy Menez, who has taken the French league by storm since arriving as an exciting teenage prospect. Now 20, he has been dubbed the 'new Zidane', and Liverpool know that Manchester United and Arsenal have also watched him closely, which could spark a major transfer scramble in the summer.

Benitez has been disappointed with the form of so many of his players and for the first time in his Anfield reign he has been openly critical of his team.

He knows that he still needs more quality and that is why his scouts have been working overtime across Europe.

Mascherano Wants Long Reds Stay

Javier Mascherano has targeted an extended stay at Liverpool after admitting he "feels settled and would like to play at the new stadium".

The Argentina international moved to Merseyside from West Ham in January after a complicated and protracted deal which, because of the controversy surrounding West Ham's signing of the player and compatriot Carlos Tevez, was fully investigated by the Premier League.

West Ham signed Mascherano and Tevez to England in August 2006 but issues arose over the legitimacy of the Hammers signing the pair on third-party agreements and the club were fined for breaching rules.

But having enjoyed happier times in the North West the 23-year-old has stressed he wants to remain part of Rafael Benitez's side.

"I'm very happy here. I feel settled and would like to play at the new stadium (due to be opened in 2010)," he told The Sun.

"I love playing for Liverpool and if the manager wants to keep me then I'd definitely stay for a long time.

"Liverpool are one of the world's biggest teams. They've got history, tradition, success and great fans."

There had been suggestions Mascherano was unhappy with Benitez's well-known rotation policy but the player dismissed that notion.

"Rafa's always used rotation so why would he stop it when it has brought him so much success?" he added.

"I know if I want to play I need to work really hard. We have good players in every position so no one has the right to start every match."