Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has hinted he is
unlikely to do any major transfer deals in January.
The Spaniard is happy with his current squad, that has taken
Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and the knockout stage
of the Champions League.
He said: "We do not need to go into the transfer market, we are
certainly not desperate to do so.
"If we find we need something we will try, but it is always hard
in this window and very expensive." <!-- E SF -->
Benitez's hand has been strengthened by the return to fitness of
striker Fernando Torres and defenders Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio
and Alvaro Arbeloa.
He added: "We finished 2008 very well, we played with style and
have scored a lot of goals. I am very pleased and happy with the
situation and hope it will be the same in the new year.
"We have other players apart from Torres coming back from
injury. There is Skrtel, Aurelio and Arbeloa all fit now. It will
be like signing three new players."
"We are in a good position and I am happy to use the players we
have now plus the ones returning from injury."
Liverpool have been strongly linked for moves with former
striker Emile Heskey, now at Wigan, and Portsmouth defender Glen
Johnson.
But the Reds have made no firm moves and Benitez is now looking
increasingly likely to make an assault on three trophies with the
players currently at his disposal.
Out-of-favour Jermaine Pennant, who has been linked with Real
Madrid, AC Milan and Wigan, may leave.
But Benitez will rebuff any attempts by AC Milan to sign
defender Daniel Agger and wants to hold on to Andrea Dossena, who
has struggled since his summer arrival from Udinese.
Benitez is keen to keep his defensive resources together after
it was confirmed Liverpool will lose impressive Argentine youngster
Emiliano Insua until 8 February because he will be at the South
American U-20 Championships. <!-- E BO -->
