tabloid story claims Benitez has only £1.5m left in his transfer kitty

An alarming sounding article in today’s Mirror entitled: “Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez left devastated after owners tell him he has just £1.5million to spend,” on the surface may cause concern, however once one realises the story is by journalist David Maddock, those initial fears subside. The writer has consistently infuriated Reds fans with his stories and today he does not disappoint. Most of the comments that follow the story describe it as: “false,” “Typical inaccurate column again” and “utter nonsense.”

The story goes on to claim: “after talks with the Yanks,” Benítez “has been told there is only a miserly sum available - which will not even buy one player, never mind the two he desires.” The Liverpool boss is in the market for a “centre half to provide cover” and he also wants “to sign a wide player who can also operate as a stand in striker,” claims the story.

The lack of funds has left Benitez “searching frantically around for a loan signing before the transfer window closes at the end of August, and he has sounded out several targets,” says the article. “His first choice was Ryan Shawcross, but Stoke have laughed off the suggestion.” The story also claims Rafa “has also enquired about taking the Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin on loan, but was again met with near incredulity by the South coast club.”

However the Reds boss has also looked at “Real Madrid centre half Ezequiel Garay, and he may have more joy in that direction, with the Spanish giants ready to consider a further loan period for the 22 year old,” says the article.

The story also states that Benitez was given guarantees that he would have £20million to spend, plus the money from the sale of Robbie Keane when the Reds boss negotiated his new contract in April, which amounts to “£38million.” Rafa “was also told that he could use any money he generated in the transfer market through sales,” says the article.

Benitez has raised “more than £40million through the sale of Xabi Alonso, Sebastian Leto, Alvaro Arbeloa, Paul Anderson and Jack Hobbs,” but only “spent around £33million” on signing Glen Johnson and the Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani. So the story suggests Rafa should have £45 million left in his kitty, but has only been granted “the frankly insulting £1.5million,” from the American owners, leaving the Spanish boss “to shop in the bargain basement for just one more addition to his squad.”

The article also suggests Benitez was on the verge of signing long term target, Valencia winger David Silva: “but then had to pull out of the deal because he didn't have the money to meet the £17million asking price.”

The story claims Benitez may voice his dissatisfaction about the situation “in the coming days.”

We will wait and see Mr Maddock, we will wait and see.