SILVA ... Kop target
The Liverpool chief was furious after the cash-strapped
Spaniards went public with the approach when discussions began a
couple of months ago. But, despite hinting the deal was off, talks
have continued and Benitez remains hopeful of landing the
winger.
The Kop boss, who left Valencia for Merseyside in June
2004, is a long-time admirer of the 23-year-old. Benitez recently
admitted he had been in contact with his old club but was unhappy
with the way issues were handled.
He claimed the Reds were no longer in the hunt as they
did not want a bidding war with Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona
also showing interest. Benitez said: “Our chief scout was in
Valencia and talked with different people from the club but someone
was talking too much.
“If we are going to look for someone we will not
announce it to everyone — we will try to do it properly and
secretly.”
Benitez wants to do business quietly while Valencia are
hardly in a position to argue with debts of almost £100m hanging
over them. Silva, striker David Villa and centre-back Raul Albiol
are all available at the right price.
