Fowler deal hatched in Liverpool pub

Rafael Benitez has revealed the idea to re-sign Robbie Fowler was hatched in his mind after he celebrated last season's Champions League semi-final triumph over Chelsea with the Kop legend in a Liverpool pub.

The Anfield chief ended up sharing a drink with Fowler and his best pal Steve McManaman in a local pub, surrounded by joyous Liverpool fans celebrating their club's progress to their sixth European Cup final.

Benitez, who has confirmed interest in Deportivo La Coruna winger Victor has all but ended, is delighted he has finally captured the player who impressed him so much in the chance pub meeting after the victory over Chelsea.

He said: "I first thought of the idea after the Chelsea game, he was in a pub - only with a soft drink - with us and we were talking about football. Steve McManaman was also there and you could hear all the fans saying 'you should sign Robbie on again' and things like that.

"I am always thinking about my strikers, I always have confidence in them, but the idea was always in my mind. Then in the last week I analysed Robbie and tried to know what he could give to us. I had a meeting with him and explained my ideas for him at the club.

"Then I decided to sign him, he was talking to me with his heart. I could see the passion, he was top scorer here and he clearly has great intelligence about the game. He has all these things as well as passion. You can now see the reaction of the supporters."

Benitez has allowed Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez to join Real Sociedad until the end of the season, having failed to get a work permit for the youngster. The only other departure before the transfer window closes is a possible loan move for Florent Sinama-Pongolle, with Liverpool having three offers for him.

But Benitez is clearly not going to move on Djibril Cisse, despite plenty of speculation.

Benitez said: "Robbie has the mentality for the English League. Cisse and Morientes can score goals and they have done that in France and Spain, but Robbie is different. He has different movement, different qualities. To start a game is too soon but he is working with the coaches and he will play soon. I hope he can play some part of the game against Birmingham.

"Robbie understands he must work for the team, he knows it is not about individuals."