LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez is
weighing up a shock move for Birmingham City's wayward winger
Jermaine Pennant.
Benitez's spies have been monitoring the talented 23-year-old as
they look for an answer to their right wing problems. Pennant is on
the Reds hit-list as top target Simao Sabrosa is too expensive for
their budget.
Pennant cost Birmingham around £3million when he joined from
Arsenal and an offer of £4m would be enough to get him without
emptying the Kop coffers.
For all of his off-thefield troubles, Pennant's ability has never
been in doubt.
Benitez is desperate for a genuine rightsided player after
struggling through the season with makeshift solutions, headed by
skipper Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia.
The Liverpool chief wants Simao but his performances in the
Champions League, including helping oust Liverpool from the
competition, mean Benfica could hold out for more money - and they
will not budge from a £10m-plus valuation.
Pennant is the best option within the Premiership. His close
control and crossing mark him out as being just what Liverpool need
as Benitez wants to get more quality in his wide
positions.
