Liverpool boss Rafa
Benitez has refused to rule out a move for Barcelona's Samuel
Eto'o.
Eto'o revealed earlier this week his admiration for Liverpool and
Reds skipper Steven Gerrard after being impressed by them in the
two UEFA Champions League clashes between the two sides earlier
this season.
The Cameroon star's future at Barcelona has been the subject of
speculation after a bust-up with coach Frank Rijkaard with reports
suggesting he could be on his way out of Camp Nou in the
summer.
Liverpool have been linked with Eto'o as they are expected to try
and bring in a new striker in the summer and Benitez has admitted
he is a fan of the African hit-man.
"Samuel is very clever, normally everyone wants to play alongside
Steven (Gerrard) or Xabi (Alonso)," said Benitez. "But we can talk
about players in the next few months.
"But Samuel Eto'o is a good player, and so is Stevie. It would be
normal they would want to play together.
"But it is just speculation, at the moment it means nothing."
Benitez is focusing his attention of tying down his top stars to
new deals to ward off any potential exits from Anfield.
The likes of Gerrard, Alonso and Jamie Carragher are all expected
to be offered lucrative new deals in a bid to keep them at the club
for the foreseeable future.
Benitez has admitted the club are talking to several players about
new contracts.
"We are talking now to the players," added Benitez.
Jose Reina is one of the players keen on signing a new deal and the
Spaniard is hoping to have talks with the club's new owners soon as
he believes the future looks bright for Liverpool
"We will be speaking to the new owners over the next few days, but
I've said many times now I'm really happy at Liverpool and I want
to extend my contract," Reina told the local tv.
"The key for any growing team is not only to improve with new
players, but also to make sure the key players and the spine of the
side stays together. Then you can build an even stronger team
around this. That spine is here at Liverpool.
"The project will be to build a team which is massive and can win
many things.
"The new owners have said before they make transfers they first of
all want to prepare new deals. Then I'm sure they will think about
the summer. At this moment, the future looks brilliant.
"I've not met the owners yet, but I'm sure it will happen
soon."
