Liverpool have launched a fresh £15million bid to land
Portsmouth right back Glen Johnson.
Manager Rafa Benitez identified the England defender as a target
this season but did not have anywhere near the budget to land the
player.
However, Portsmouth still owe around £7m from the £12m transfer
of striker Peter Crouch last summer, and Benitez hopes to use that
to good effect in his bargaining for Johnson.
The 24-year-old former Chelsea defender signed an improved
four-year contract in January but would jump at the chance of a
move to Anfield as Benitez looks to add key signings in preparation
for a renewed assault on the Barclays Premier League title.
The Spaniard has been encouraged by his side's progress this
season and knows his recruitment this summer is pivotal to
Liverpool finally toppling fierce rivals Manchester United.
Pompey's financial problems - with owner Sacha Gaydamak still
looking for a buyer - mean they will want to drive the price as
high as possible, and Liverpool are wary of being dragged into an
auction with other clubs.
