Benitez revives interest in Wheater

Transfer Speculation

Rafael Benitez it appears, is intent on picking at the ex Premiership carcass that once was Middlesbrough, according to speculation in the press. Today's gossip columns have resurected Rafa's interest in Defender David Wheater. Today’s Telegraph claims: “Benitez tried to sign the England under-21 international last summer and enquired about his availability in January but his Middlesbrough counterpart Gareth Southgate was unwilling to part with one of the key players in his side’s battle for survival. Now, though, Southgate knows he needs to trim his squad to cope with the financial impact of demotion and, with Stewart Downing injured, Wheater is one of his most saleable assets. The only sticking point for Liverpool would be the defender’s asking price. Birmingham were last week quoted £9 million for the player, a fee Benitez would be unwilling to pay for a back-up central defender with funds at Anfield at a premium.”

The story also goes on to speculate on Andrea Dossena’s future at the club stating: “The Italian international is happy at Anfield despite struggling to make impact following his £7 million move from Udinese last summer. Reports in Italy suggest Dossena is a target for Napoli and Sampdoria but he is believed to be willing to remain in England to fight for his place.”