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.

Mascherano's image of unrest is being created by the tabloid press

An interview given by Javier Mascherano to Spanish magazine Don Balón has been quoted by the British press as proof that the player wants to leave Liverpool. Speaking of being linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid the Argentinean Midfielder said:

"It's really flattering. For me it means great recognition because we are talking about big clubs."

This is the headline that a majority of the papers are running, however most of the interview has not been published by the English tabloid press intent on creating an image of unrest. The player goes on to say “it's always good to know that teams like Barça and Madrid are interested in you”. However the player revealed his happiness in playing for the Reds by stating: "I feel comfortable at Liverpool.”

Mascherano also gave praise to his Liverpool coach, Rafael Benítez: "[He is] excellent. He's a perfectionist, working down to the smallest detail that you can imagine. Fortunately he has renewed his contract, meaning his ties to the club continue and this will give more calm to everybody."

Mascherano also speaks of the Reds victory over Real Madrid by saying the Spanish club is in “upheaval” and “the organizational capacity of the British” ensures the Dominance of English clubs in the Champions League. He goes on to say “I also believe that the pace of the Premier is superior to the (Spanish) League.” Mascherano also heaps praise on Liverpool’s “devastating” attacking ability. When asked if Torres is among the best forwards in the world, the midfielder says: “It is very fair. Fernando is a great striker and defenses almost cannot win against him.” Maschrano also talks of his partnership with Xabi Alonso proclaiming the “understanding” between the two players has almost reached “perfection”.

Hardly an image of unrest.

However the view that Mascherano being fed-up at Liverpool is being perpetuated on a daily basis. David Maddock reporting in today's Mirror says “the root of the Argentine's unhappiness at Anfield is the fact that he is paid considerably less than the majority of his team – mates,” and the new arrival of Glen Johnson may also be a contributing factor by proclaiming the defender is on a “massive deal – which will earn the England full-back around £4m a year” and it “could force Liverpool to TREBLE Javier Mascherano’s wages to keep him.” The story says Mascherano “is only on around £25,000 a week - a fraction of the cash Liverpool's top stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres command.”

Johnson according to the journalist will be on £4m a year, which approximately works out at £77,000 per week. But Maddock’s numbers for Mascherano do not add up. The Argentinean, who last February signed a four year deal with Liverpool for approximately £18m, according to Maddock is on “around £25,000 a week.” However a quick calculation reveals Mascherano will be on approximately £86,500 a week. Maddock has displayed time and again that his writing ability is not much kop, now he reveals his maths are worse. I’m glad he didn’t choose to be a nuclear physicist.