BENITEZ WEIGHS UP AIMAR SWOOP
Jan 26 2008 by David Jones, Liverpool Echo
RAFA BENITEZ is weighing up a swoop for Argentinian playmaker Pablo
Aimar.
The Liverpool boss is looking into the possibility of signing Aimar
from Real Zaragoza after being alerted to his availability.
Benitez has managed Aimar previously when the pair worked together
at Valencia a time which Aimar openly admits was his most
productive as a player.
Since then he has gone on to star for Zaragoza in La Liga after a
£8.5m move from Valencia in July 2006.
Though a hugely popular figure among the Zaragoza fans, Aimar is
believed to be ready to test himself in the Premiership and new
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has already registered an interest in
taking him to the north east.
But Benitez is monitoring the situation and could be prepared to
make a move for Aimar whom Diego Maradona once described as his
"legitimate successor as the world's best player" if the price is
right.
With the transfer window set to close next Thursday, Liverpool
would have to move fast if they are to secure a deal for the
attacking midfielder. But with the club set to receive a fee in the
region of £9m for Momo Sissoko, and Benitez having received the
backing of co-owner Tom Hicks, there is nothing to stand in the way
of them making an offer.
The 28-year-old has been linked with Liverpool before, shortly
after Benitez quit Valencia to take over at Anfield, but no move
transpired.
At the time Aimar said: "Rafa Benitez is an excellent coach who
knows me very well and Liverpool would be an ideal place to go if I
cannot sort out my future here.
"From what I can see, English football is the best in Europe next
to Spain and I do not think I would have a problem adapting to the
Premiership."
Liverpool Echo
