Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is believed to have increased his interest in Arjen Robben, after reports yesterday suggested Manchester United were keen on the Real Madrid player.
The Spaniard has long been an admirer of the pacy winger, and could go head-to-head with his bitter rival Sir Alex Ferguson over the player's signature...
The Dutch international is believed to be valued by his club at around £18 million. Manchester United, still yet to spend much of the £80 million received from Real for Cristiano Ronaldo, would have no problem meeting that valuation if they decided it was a fair price.
Robben was close to joining United before he signed for Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2004 and would provide the speed and goals neither Antonio Valencia nor Nani can offer.
In contrast, Liverpool might struggle to come up with the money required before the transfer window shuts in seven days' time. Club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have spent the summer restructuring the club's debts, with the consequence that Benitez has been told their will be no more money to spend.
However, the former Valencia boss will hold out hope his employers will still make some funds available. Benitez has not spent all of the £30 million received from the sale of Xabi Alonso to Madrid, and in light of the club's poor start to the season might be able to persuade both men that the club needs to spend some money in order to compete with their rivals .
Additional funds could also be raised through the sale of Ryan Babel. Benitez is believed to be losing patience with the youngster, and a bid of around £8 million might tempt the club to sell the underperforming winger to fund a move for Robben.
The 25-year-old has been outstanding in pre-season games for Real but coach Manuel Pelligrini is having trouble accommodating him with new arrivals Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema.
Benitez is believed to have been a long-term admirer of Robben's ability, and Madrid even considered offering the Dutchman as part of the deal for Alonso as they attempted to sign the midfielder earlier this month.
Arsenal and Turkish club Galatasaray have both expressed interest in the winger in the past. Robben's father, Hans, has previously ruled out the possibility of his son joining Spurs.
Benitez, however, will be confident of persuading Robben to join him at Anfield, and may see him as the world-class winger he has been looking for, at a price more affordable than previous targets David Silva and Franck Ribery.
