Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has categorically ruled out a summer swoop for Valencia forward David Silva.
Newspaper reports claimed The Reds boss was ready to break the bank for the Spain international as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of next season.
But the Liverpool manager was quick to dampen fan expectations, stating there was no move in the pipeline for the versatile forward.
Asked whether there was any truth in the press speculation, Benitez told the official club website: "We will not be signing him."
Benitez has reportedly been discouraged by Valencia’s asking price for the player, who has been capped 21 times by Spain, with some sources claiming the Spanish club are demanding as much as £25 million.
The Reds’ current transfer record stands at £20.2 million they paid Atletico Madrid for Fernando Torres in 2007.
The Liverpool manager did confirm, however, that plans were afoot to bring players to the club when the transfer window re-opens.
"We are working hard, talking with the scouting department and looking at names and options for next season," he added.
"It's still too soon, but we are working hard."
Liverpool remain keen on Valencia winger David Silva.
The Times says Rafael Benitez has temporarily called off his pursuit of David Silva, the Spain international, after baulking at Valencia's asking-price.
Sources close to the club insist that despite the Liverpool manager withdrawing from negotiations he remains keen to sign the player but is unwilling to pay over the odds.
when rafa says he wont buy, means he will buy
when he say he wont sell, means he will sell
like robbie keane, say until so steady wont sell, scali last min sold
Originally posted by limpper:when rafa says he wont buy, means he will buy
when he say he wont sell, means he will sell
like robbie keane, say until so steady wont sell, scali last min sold
cos he wana play low profile in e transfer market mah..
n he also fear tat sum1 might snatch away his transfer target too..
Any chances of him coming must depend on the fee, it shouldn't eclipse what we paid for Torres.
but it should be somehow near the fee we paid for torres
we paid a fee for torres + luis garcia
so i think it's ard 25? for torres
sliva should be ard, 18-20, reasonable