Rafa won't rule out Figo arrival
Rafael Benitez has refused to rule out the prospect of Luis Figo
completing a free transfer from Real Madrid while insisting that
£7million-rated Milan Baros was in his squad for the Champions
League qualifier against the Lithuanian champions.
Liverpool are believed to have turned down a £5million bid from
Aston Villa for Baros, insisting the offer is way short of their
valuation for the Czech star.
And, although playing Baros in a European game would not only cup
tie him in UEFA competitions but also instantly reduce his
valuation, Liverpool boss Benitez claimed he will consider playing
the striker in the game against Kaunas.
Benitez was cagey when both players were discussed, with Baros
being a target not only of Villa but West Ham and Deportivo La
Coruna.
Only the Spanish side are involved in Europe, Deportivo are in the
Intertoto Cup and face Newcastle next week in the
semi-finals.
A decision on their interest could be delayed until they know
whether they are in the UEFA Cup or not.
Baros' advisors are planning talks with Benitez about the player's
future but it is unlikely that any move is imminent.
Figo is returning from pre-season games in China with Madrid,
having indicated that he would not be joining Inter Milan and was
happy to see out the final season of his contract with Real.
As far as Liverpool are concerned, the sticking point is believed
to be the Portuguese star's wage demands.
He is on £80,000 a week at the Bernabeu and wants more than the
£65,000 Liverpool are prepared to offer.
Twice asked if would he like him to come to Anfield, Benitez
replied : 'He's a good player.'
And, given the opportunity to deny his interest, the Liverpool
manager pointedly declined to answer.
On Baros, Benitez refused to rule the striker out of the game
having declined to play him in both TNS matches in the last
round.
He said: 'Milan is in the squad and he can play against Kaunas, it
is a possibility. He is our player, we will see what the
possibilities are, we will see tomorrow.'
Benitez has injury doubts over Steve Finnan and Djimi Traore, but
would not give any indication of Baros' involvement.
Baros has scored five goals in pre-season friendlies, two in the
4-3 defeat of Olympiacos on Saturday.
And the Spanish coach said: 'As far as I am concerned he is in my
squad. I will see tomorrow if he plays or not.
'He is here, in the squad and can play. He is happy and training
well, he is playing and scoring goals, of course he is happy.'
