Benitez shows interest in Wigan's Zaki

Soccer: Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed he is checking on Wigan striker Amr Zaki, after the Egyptian hit a memorable double at Anfield.

Zaki has taken the Premier League by storm this season with seven goals in his first eight games making him the top-scorer in England's top-flight.

He highlighted his form with a brilliant brace at Liverpool, which included a stunning acrobatic volley in front of The Kop.

Wigan signed the forward on loan from El Zamalek in the summer and claim they have first refusal on a permanent deal.

However in recent days Zamalek have insisted they will sell the player to whichever club they want, and Manchester City are already thought to have made contact via their new Abu Dhabi-based owners.

"We will have the right to sell Zaki to any club," Zamalek president Mamdouh Abbas stated.

But Benitez, who looks set to be in the market for a new frontman come January, has intriguingly admitted he will also be taking a close look at Zaki after his outstanding display against the Spaniard's side on Saturday.

"Everybody will be checking his situation now," Benitez admitted.