Rafa speaks on Johnson

Rafa Benitez has spoken for the first time of his first signing of the summer Glen Johnson. The interview has been reported by most of the press as “Benitez defends his decision”. Rafa always appears to be defending one decision or other to the media. Interestingly this type of terminology has not been attached to any of Mark Hughes’ purchases at City. Speaking about Johnson in tonight's Echo, Rafa said:

“You can’t compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money. We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules.

“Glen Johnson fits both categories.”

The new rule specifies that clubs can have a maximum of 25 players and that eight of them must be home-grown – defined as someone who was trained for over three years by a club from the relevant national association between the ages of 15 and 21.

The player has agreed a deal with the Reds and is expected to finalise the agreement in the next 48 hours.

Benitez also suggested that Johnson won’t be the last signing.

“We have a plan,” added Benitez. “We can sign one more player if necessary, but that’s without any players leaving.”

Alvaro Arbeloa has been the subject of speculation linking him to Real Madrid and Benitez admitted they may take a look at an offer if it was presented to the club:

“Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract,” said the Reds boss. “If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it.”