Benitez reveals Turner interest
Rafael Benitez revealed he has held talks with Hull City boss Phil
Brown over the possible transfer of defender Michael Turner to
Liverpool.
The Anfield chief has a number of injury worries in defence, which
were compounded on Saturday when Jamie Carragher limped off early
in the first half of the friendly with Atletico Madrid nursing an
ankle problem.
Benitez is increasingly short of defenders, having seen Sami Hyypia
and Alvaro Arbeloa leave the club this summer.
The problem has been made even more pressing with both Daniel Agger
(back) and Martin Skrtel (hamstring) doubtful for the season's
opening league game at Spurs next weekend.
Benitez has been linked with a bid for Turner, as well as
Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin.
And the Spaniard said after the 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid at
Anfield: "I was talking with (Hull manager) Phil Brown, but I will
not talk about figures. But maybe I was just talking to Phil about
the weather."
Benitez is believed to have offered £6m for Turner, with Hull
demanding closer to £12m.
On Liverpool's injury problems, which also saw Fernando Torres limp
off at the end with an ankle injury, Benitez said: "Carragher
twisted his ankle, and because we have problems with injuries to
our centre-backs, we decided to take him off as a precaution.
"We will have to wait to see how the injured players improve, but I
feel they will be ready for our next game.
"We have two options. One is to bring in someone at the back and
the other option is to keep working with the young players we
have.
"We have three centre-backs to get fit and will need one more as a
fourth. We have to decide what to do, but the one solution we can
achieve is to work with the youngsters.
"Some youngsters need the opportunity to impress, we will see how
they go.
"Jamie will come in tomorrow for treatment at Melwood, and we will
assess the situation then.
"For a twisted ankle you need two or three days to see how the
injury settles down. I do not believe he will need a scan.
"Fernando Torres also came off with an slight injury on his ankle,
but he also came off as a precaution because this was only a
friendly."
Liverpool played most of the match with Spanish youngsters Danny
Ayala and Mikel San Jose in central defence against the outstanding
Atletico forward Sergio Aguero.
Benitez said: "It was difficult for the youngsters against players
of such quality who keep possession and are very clever in
offence."
Aguero, a target for Chelsea, scored one goal and created a second
for Diego Forlan in the first half, with Lucas Leiva replying for
Liverpool in the final minutes.
Atletico coach Abel Resino dismissed the Chelsea connection,
saying: "As far as I know we have not had any bids for Aguero."
