Transfer SpeculationRafa Benitez will step up his pursuit of Glen Johnson over the weekend and "hopes to unveil the England right back as his first summer signing in the next few days," reports the Mail.
Chelsea are Liverpool's chief rivals in the race to capture his signature after having a £17million bid accepted by Portsmouth last week. Manchester City and Bayern Munich have also expressed their interest in Johnson.
However, the article claims: “Benitez remains confident of seeing off the 24-year-old's former club after it emerged that Anfield would be his preferred destination.”
The Liverpool manager could use an outstanding amount from “Peter Crouch's move to Portsmouth - thought to be around £7million - to top up his available funds and match Chelsea's £17million offer” says the article. “Johnson has become Benitez's No 1 target in recent weeks” and his attacking runs down the right for Portsmouth and England have convinced Benitez of his value. But, “his arrival will leave little leeway for further strengthening.”
The story also states “Benitez has also lodged a £2m bid for Johnson's Fratton Park team-mate Sylvain Distin,” but the manager may have to “consider selling before making any other signings.” Benitez could raise some funds “by sacrificing Yossi Benayoun after reports in Israel that Tottenham, as well as Barcelona, had made an approach for the midfielder,” says the story. Benayoun has apparently “been priced at £12m for foreign clubs but would cost even more for any of Liverpool's Barclays Premier League rivals,” according to the article.
I heard that Arbeloa is going to Spain!
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