New Kuyt bid.

[Pacman]

Benitez: I want another striker

Aug 2 2006

Exclusive By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo


RAFA BENITEZ emphasised why Liverpool need more fire-power before the start of the season after seeing his side lose its second friendly in a week.

The Anfield boss continues to trail Feyenoord's Dirk Kuyt, with a fresh approach for the Dutchman imminent.

It's understood Kuyt has made it clear to his club he wants to move to Merseyside, despite interest from Manchester United.

Liverpool have already had one offer for Kuyt turned down, and Benitez knows funds must be generated if he's to make a successful bid.

However, after the 2-0 defeat to Grasshoppers Zurich, the Spanish coach left people in no doubt of his transfer intentions before the deadline on August 31.

Benitez said: "We're continuing to work. Maybe it's too late for the Champions League qualification round, but there is one month left and thatgives us the time to sign the player we need.

"I think we still need an extra striker, just in case. I'm happy with the strikers we havebut I think we need another and I'm confident we'll sign one."

Benitez's point was emphasised as Craig Bellamy started as a lone forward due to Robbie Fowler's knee injury.

Peter Crouch made his first appearance of pre-season later on, and Benitez took consolation from the return of senior players.

Liverpool have a final warm-up on Friday prior to the

[Ryan]

At least he recongises that we need one. That's a start...

[montymole]

At least he recongises that we need one. That's a start...

The scary thing is though he talks like we just need a bit of back up, as opposed to the real deal.

[Pacman]

The scary thing is though he talks like we just need a bit of back up, as opposed to the real deal.

He's not exactly going to say he needs another striker because he's worried about the others though is he?

[Ryan]

Good point.

We need somebody top-class.

I can't believe he's not moving heaven and earth to get Trezeguet.

[Guest]

Are you the new af pac mate ? :-)

[Pacman]

Are you the new af pac mate ? :-)

Nah I don't want to rim Mr Owen

[G_Man]

.

Benitez said: "We're continuing to work. Maybe it's too late for the Champions League qualification round, but there is one month left and that gives us the time to sign the player we need.

"I think we still need an extra striker, just in case. I'm happy with the strikers we have but I think we need another and I'm confident we'll sign one."

Nice quotes from Rafa, it all sounds very positive.
With regards Trezeguet, I'd only take him on a loan with a view to a permanent deal, he's 30 ish, if he fails he'll have virtually no re-sale value.
Kuyt looks the most likliest but maybe there is something in the Huntelaar link?

Villa and Torres look out of our price range to be honest.

[PTP]

Good point.

We need somebody top-class.

I can't believe he's not moving heaven and earth to get Trezeguet.

I agree, tho I'm sure Juve have said there's no way Trezeguet(along with a few others) are going to leave.

I've not seen enough of Kuyt to give an opinion of, but there seems to be a real lack of quality strikers available at the moment, with Kuyt being the only name being banded about. That leaves me to believe he must have something about him.
Unless you are willing to pay way over the odds for someone world class, take a huge gamble on someone or unearth a superstar from nowhere then I can't see anyone other than Kuyt signing.

[Parm]

Nah I don't want to rim Mr Owen

haha!!

This Kuyt buisness is dragging on now. Knowing us, season will start and we'll still be without Kuyt/a n other striker and will make a deadline day bid to get someone.

[Le Chacal]

Trezeguet, Defoe, Kuyt are my top 3

[Ryan]

I agree, tho I'm sure Juve have said there's no way Trezeguet(along with a few others) are going to leave.

They said the same about Thuram, Cannavarro, Zambrotta and Vieira.

Every player has his price, especially ones at Juventus.

[kopite]

hope its before the champions league, kuyt, defoe or alves will do

[Ryan]

hope its before the champions league, kuyt, defoe or alves will do

"Alves"?

Striker mate.

Stri.

Ker.

[Stevie M]

Trezeguet may be relatively cheap... but his wages will be very high and he's no spring chicken.

I don't believen signing him would be the best option.... short term thing, player who's only going to diminish rather than improve.

Kuyt is probably the better option at the moment... and I reckonn if we can't get him for a reasonable fee we'll not sign anyone.

Why should we.... we have Bellamy, Crouch, Fowler, Pongolle, Garcia and Kewell all capable of playing up front, plus improved options in the wide areas of midfield meaning we can operate with one forward and Gerrard or even Zenden in advanced positions... not to mention the fact that Gonzalez can play as a forward or the fact that Mellor, Le Tallec and possibly this Greek bloke we're "trailing" might be at the club.

No it's not ideal... but we shouldn't be getting ourselves in to a panic about it either. The last thing we need is to buy a striker who contributes nothing to the team other than goals... and if we can't sign a striker at a decent age and capable of adding more than just goals for a reasonable price in this window... then we should leave it.