RAFA BENITEZ wants to make £12million Valencia winger David
Silva his first signing in a big summer shake-up. The Liverpool
boss has already made initial contact with his old club and is
moving quickly to find a solution to his problem position on the
left flank. Benitez hopes to rush through a deal following his
admission after last weeks Champions League final defeat to AC
Milan his side need a revolution if they are to be genuine
Premiership challengers next term. And Valencia, for all their
public vows about hanging on to their stars, are keen to cash in to
fund their own rebuilding plans.
Benitez coached Silva, 21, during his days in charge at La Mestalla
when the Spanish international was coming through the ranks. After
being loaned out as part of his development, Silva returned to
Valencia last summer and enjoyed a sparkling campaign in a title
bid which only ended with last weekends 3-2 loss at home to
Villarreal. He also scored in a 1-1 Champions League quarter-final
draw at Chelsea last month.
Silva only signed a new four-year deal 12 months ago but after a
sensational season he is not happy with the terms. Valencia are not
among the highest payers in Spain and he admitted recently there
has been tentative interest in him. He said: We deserve something
more than what we have. The truth is, yes, we have received offers
from other teams that value us.
Silva, who hails from Gran Canaria, made such progress on his
return to La Mestalla he won his first full cap last November, then
featured in Spains 1-0 friendly win against England at Old
Trafford in February. While Silva has a £40m release clause in his
contract, he knows the club will have to slash that if they want to
cash in on him.
Chelsea and Tottenham are also keen on landing the rising star
but the prospect of joining Liverpools Spanish contingent is sure
to prove a big draw card for the player. The way is also clear for
him to make a big impact with Liverpools left-side contingent
Bolo Zenden, Mark Gonzalez and Harry Kewell all being nudged
towards the Anfield exit door.
