Benitez open to offers for star players

RAFAEL BENITEZ has admitted Liverpool’s cash crisis means they would consider selling star players.

RAFAEL BENITEZ has admitted Liverpool’s cash crisis means they would consider selling star players.

Since the Reds accepted a €33 million bid from Chelsea for Steven Gerrard back in 2005, Benitez has always insisted he would never entertain offers for his skipper or striker Fernando Torres.

Manchester City’s reported interest in Spain striker Torres last season was met by a definitive rebuff from Benitez, who has previously claimed he would quit Liverpool if the frontman was allowed to leave.

Benitez’s guarantee of Champions League football next season is by no means a certainty as Liverpool trail Tottenham, Aston Villa and City this term and the ramifications of missing out on the financial windfall of a top-four finish could be crippling for the Reds.

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And Benitez has given the first indication that the five-time European champions would be forced to consider offers due to their lack of funds, although the Spanish tactician does not expect the scenario to materialise.

“We would have a conversation and decide what’s the best for the club,” said Benitez, who has admitted Liverpool do not have the resources to turn down world record bids.

“I’ve said before I want to keep the best players here because that means we can be closer to the top four. They are the most important.

“We gave extensions to players because we want to keep the squad together. If you ask any manager in the world they will tell you they want more money and want to spend but at this moment we have to do what’s best for the club. That means managing the situation for each player and see what happens.”

Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin has joined Dinamo Moscow on a three-year contract from Liverpool, the Russian club have confirmed.

The 30-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Hertha Berlin, met his new coach Andrey Kobelev on Saturday and put pen to paper on his deal.

Dinamo sporting director Konstantin Sarsania told the clubs official website, www.fcdinamo.ru: “The transfer of Andriy Voronin can be considered accomplished. The clubs reached an agreement and the player signed a contract for three years. We are delighted that such a strong player has joined Dinamo and we hope he can help solve the team’s problems.”

Voronin moved to Anfield in 2007 from Bayer Leverkusen after 12 years in Germany but scored only five goals in 27 league appearances for Liverpool.