Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Irish striker Robbie Keane is a target for the club. 

Rafa has endured a difficult summer as he has failed on his promise to deliver at least one new big-name striker despite being linked with a host Europe's top names.

 

Valencia and Spain striker David Villa is one of those players that has left Benitez frustrated, and Keane is now firmly in the Spaniard's sights.

 

Benitez confirmed: " We will have another main striker before the season starts, maybe two.  David Villa is one of the players on our list, but at this moment I do not see it being an option for us.  Keane is also one of the names we are interested in, and we are still working on other possible situations".

 

Keane, 28, has been the subject of heated speculation linking him with a move to Anfield, with a possible player-plus cash deal.  And Benitez has confirmed that communication has been made with Tottenham regarding the availability of the Irish Captain.

He said: "There has been some contact but we will have to see how things progress".

 

The Liverpool boss has also admitted his exasperation of the drawn-out campaign to prise Gareth Barry from Martin O'Neill's side Aston Villa.  The fact that Barry is now banned from Villa's training ground and has already missed a week of vital pre-season work could, it is claimed, affect their willingness to meet Villa's £18million valuation of the player.

He said: "We are still waiting on Barry.  I prefer now not to say anything and to wait".

 

Benitez did unveil two new full-backs yesterday, Swiss international Philip Degan and Italian defender Andrea Dossena.  He is also hoping to formally announce the new signing of Brazilian Diego Cavalieri who will act as Reine's understudy.

 

Benitez is working with a much smaller budget this year than was expected at the end of last season.

He admitted: "We know the situation regarding what we can spend, and we are trying to find solutions".

 

Friday 11th of July 2008