By Jason Burt
If Benayoun returns to Anfield then it might pave the
way for Raul Meireles to leave Liverpool. It’s understood the
Portuguese international, currently out injured, wants to quit
Merseyside because he believes his first-team opportunities will be
limited by Kenny Dalglish’s summer signings.
Chelsea have expressed an interest in acquiring Meireles and
it’s understood the two clubs are discussing the possibility of
Benayoun being included in a player-plus-cash exchange.
However Liverpool would prefer Meireles, if he is to leave, to
move abroad and not remain in the Premier League. With the midfield
signings made by Dalglish, Meireles has lost his place in the
starting XI for now. He was injured in the Carling Cup last
week.
Meireles is thought to be available for around £11m – although
Liverpool may demand more from Chelsea – and is admired by Chelsea
manager Andre Villas-Boas who worked with him briefly at Porto.
Benayoun has indicated on his Twitter site for the past couple
of weeks that he is likely to leave Chelsea, who he signed for last
summer, and recently gave up his number 10 shirt to new arrival
Juan Mata.
Yesterday Benayoun tweeted: “negotiating with several team (sic)
… news soon.” The two clubs are Liverpool and also the
highly-ambitious French champions, Lille. If Benayoun signs for
them it might raises questions over their Belgian international
midfielder Edin Hazard who has been wanted by Arsenal.
Despite Liverpool’s interest, Lille are also thought to be
strongly in contention to sign Benayoun and can offer him Champions
League football this season. Benayoun has grown surplus to
requirements a Chelsea, where he has struggled to gain regular
first-team football and has suffered from serious injury.
It’s understood to be highly unlikely that Benayoun will remain
at Chelsea.