FRIDAY 15
	Babel vents anger on Twitter Maxi Rodriguez celebrated his arrival as a Liverpool player by pledging to help to revitalise the fortunes of the ailing club, but Ryan Babel may not be at Anfield to help the cause. The Holland forward was left out of Rafael Benitez's squad for the match away to Stoke City in the Premier League today, a decision that Babel questioned on Twitter. Babel wrote on the social-networking website: "It is disappointing news. The boss left me out (of) the squad. No explanation. What happened after a first good season? Scoring 10 goals, being young talent of the year, and then second and this season don't play at all? "I never had a fight with the manager. I always kept quiet. Where did it go wrong? You have people who support me and don't support me and one day, you will see what I'm capable of. Will it be at LFC or somewhere else? I have faith." The decision to omit Babel is likely to have been taken to ensure he does not suffer an injury that could jeopardise his sale. Benitez is hoping to use the fee for the 23-year-old to sign cover for Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun, the injured players. (The Irish Independent) Babel left out of Stoke squad Ryan Babel has been left out of Liverpool’s squad to face Stoke City. The Dutch attacker told his Twitter followers “Hey people, I got some disappointing news, I’m not travelling to Stoke. The Boss left me out the squad. No explanation.” Rafa Benitez has left Babel out despite being without fellow attackers Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun. New signing Maxi Rodriguez is in the squad, and winger Albert Riera returns from injury. Benitez is likely to start with Dirk Kuyt in attack, probably alongside David Ngog, on Saturday. (This is Anfield) Rodriguez raring to go with Reds New Liverpool star Maxi Rodriguez has set his sights on adapting quickly to his new surroundings and helping the Reds climb the league table. The Argentine arrived at Anfield on Wednesday after completing a free transfer from Atletico Madrid, signing an 18-month contract with the struggling Reds. The 29-year-old has already begun learning the English language but, after spending most of this season on the bench in Spain, Rodriguez is eager to get going. "It is a good move in my career and I am very happy to be stepping up to a club like Liverpool," he told the club's official website. "My primary objective is to adapt, fit in, support the team, help other players and just get out there and get playing. "For any player it is a great honour to pull on the Liverpool shirt and I'd like to do that as soon as possible. "I am looking forward to a successful time here. I want to help the institution that is Liverpool and contribute the best I can. "Of course it will be a challenge, but I don't think it will take me too long to adapt," he added. (TEAMtalk) Liverpool say manager Rafa Benitez is not under threat Rafael Benitez's position is "not on the agenda" despite Liverpool's shock FA Cup defeat by Reading, according to managing director Christian Purslow. Benitez is under increasing pressure as boss after the loss to the Championship side, an early Champions League exit and poor Premier League form. Despite his problems, the Spaniard has vowed to fight on at Anfield. And, in an email to BBC Sport, Purslow reiterated that Benitez has the full support of the club's board. (BBC Sport Online) Reeling Reds seeking lift at Stoke Rafael Benitez admits it will take "a lot of effort" to raise Liverpool's spirits ahead of Saturday's trip to uncompromising Stoke. The Reds are reeling after a humbling loss to Reading in the FA Cup in midweek and a triple injury blow that has ruled out Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun. Star striker Torres is the worst hit, being told on Thursday he faces a six-week lay-off after a scan revealed he needs surgery to repair a torn knee cartilage. Influential captain Gerrard will be out for a fortnight with a hamstring injury while playmaker Benayoun has a cracked rib that will keep him on the sidelines for up to four weeks. They join Glen Johnson in the treatment room, with the full-back also out until mid-February with a knee problem. Liverpool, seventh in the Barclays Premier League, must now rouse themselves to get their bid for a top-four place back on track. But immediately standing in their way are a difficult Stoke side, who twice held Liverpool to goalless draws last season. Benitez said: "We have to start again. All I can do is start thinking about the next game. "We can only carry on and be ready for the next game. All we can say is that we must focus on the next challenge, but I accept that it will be tough to raise spirits. "But we cannot change the Reading result, we must move forward. We have to think only about the future." (Football 365) Hiddink hints at England return Reports suggesting Liverpool are lining up Guus Hiddink to be their new manager have intensfied after the Dutchman admitted he would like to coach in England again. Hiddink spent a successful spell in charge of Chelsea in the second half of last season, guiding the club to success in the FA Cup. Although Liverpool have backed Rafa Benitez to continue in the Anfield hot-seat, the former Valencia coacj has presided over a disastrous season for the club. They are areuggling to finish in the top four of the Premier League and have already crashed out of the Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup. Hiddink is expected to leave his job as Russia coach after he failed to guide them to this summer's World Cup finals. He said: "I have to speak to the federation president before making any decision on my future, but it is true that I would like to coach in England again. "After all the support I've received from Roman Abramovich I owe it to them to discuss anything with them first." (Sport.co.uk) Liverpool FC is a club in crisis They say that a fish rots from the head down – and the fishy stench emanating from Anfield at present is overpowering. Out of the Champions League. Out of the FA Cup. Out of the Carling Cup. Their best two players now out of action. How much longer before Rafael Benitez is out of a job? The likelihood is, not any time soon. And that highlights the insurmountable problems faced by Liverpool Football Club. Not because I believe the time has come to change managers at Anfield. For what it’s worth I still believe Benitez has the managerial talent, acumen and most importantly appetite to turn things around. But alarmingly the custodians of Liverpool Football Club lack the focus and the single-minded strength of purpose to make such an onerous decision, even if the desire existed for such a change. Liverpool is pulling in several different directions – and has been for years – that’s not a sign of a healthy football club. (David Prentice - Liverpool Echo) Torres tells Reds owners to spend Fernando Torres has pleaded with Liverpool's owners to spend on the squad, insisting the Reds need more "genuinely first-class players". Liverpool are out of the Champions League and effectively out of the Premier League title race. Wednesday's FA Cup third round replay defeat to Reading has left them with just the Europa League trophy to chase. And Torres wants the club's American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to back his fellow Spaniard and manager Rafael Benitez. Torres said: "It's frustrating. We finished second last season. This season should have been a turning point for us - a chance to do something great. "Manchester United sold Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo, while Chelsea didn't sign anyone. But it hasn't been. It's now the owners' turn. They have to sign players so that this does not happen again. "If we want to compete with United and Chelsea we need a much, much more complete squad. We need more genuinely first-class players and we can't let our best players leave." Torres, currently out with a knee injury, told Four-Four-Two magazine: "We didn't want to win the Europa League at the start of the season but it's a reality now. "Now we have to win it. Anything less than winning the tournament would be terrible. We need to improve, we need to take responsibility and we need to get into the top four and win something. "We have virtually no chance of winning the title now. Now we need to make the best of this situation." (TEAMtalk)
	THURSDAY 14
	Torres out for six weeks - Gerrard out for two Under-pressure Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez today suffered another setback after Fernando Torres was ruled out for six weeks. The Spanish striker - who lasted just 29 minutes of the Reds' disastrous FA Cup third round replay defeat to Reading last night - requires knee surgery after scans revealed torn cartilage. Steven Gerrard, who was also forced off with injury, will be out for a fortnight with a hamstring strain while Yossi Benayoun could face a month on the sidelines with a broken rib. (Daily Post)  Belt up for Raf ride Liverpool must keep faith with Rafa Benitez in the hope of winning the Europa League or finishing fourth in the Premier League. So say former Reds players John Aldridge and Jason McAteer despite Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Championship side Reading in the FA Cup third round. (Sky Sports)   Hammond: No Anfield bid for keeper Reading director of football Nick Hammond has denied that the Royals have received a bid from Liverpool for goalkeeper Adam Federici. The Australian has been linked with a move to Anfield as number two to Pepe Reina, with his father telling press after the shock 2-1 FA Cup win on Wednesday night that the Reds had been in touch. But Hammond told the Reading Chronicle: "I think Adam has done exceptionally well since the difficult transition from number two to number one. "But we've had no contact from anyone regarding him. "We have a big squad and the pressure remains in terms of balancing the books. "The key is keeping the players who are integral to us moving forward. If we trade it will be on our terms." (TEAMtalk) Bordeaux president goes public on Chamakh talks Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud still has no idea whether Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh will sign a new deal at the Stade Gerland. With his current deal at the reigning Ligue 1 champions set to end in the summer, the 26-year-old is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with other clubs and has been heavily linked with Premier League pair Arsenal and Liverpool. It had been reported earlier in the week that Rafael Benitez had agreed a £25 million package to snap up the highly-rated forward with Chamakh offered an apparent £12 million signing on fee to move to Anfield at the end of the season. Nevertheless, with Liverpool playing down the reports and the club struggling financially, it appears that Arsenal retain their position as favourites to snap up the player next summer. Having made a strong impression on continental suitors with his debut appearance in the Champions League earlier in the season it is believed that Spanish giants Barcelona and Serie A side Juventus could compete with Arsenal and Liverpool should the protracted saga not come to an end this month. Speaking about any progression in negotiations, Triaud told French radio station RMC that he was unsure if his prized asset could be persuaded to stay under Laurent Blanc’s stewardship: “I don’t know,” he reflected. “Is it because of his affection to the club that he takes his time to reply? I find him hard to understand. But we have so much friendship and respect for this boy that we wish him good luck.” (Sport.co.uk) King Kenny and Hiddink favourites to succeed Benitez Bookies up and down the country are tipping former Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish or former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink to takeover from under pressure manager Rafa Benitez. Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup last night at Anfield at the hands of Championship side Reading, which now sees the reds fighting for fourth place having been knocked out of the Champions League and League Cup. Dalglish and Hiddink have been placed at 5/2 by Sky Bet while next in line is a return to the Premier League for Jose Mourinho, who has been placed at 5/1, alongside another former Anfield boss Gerard Houllier to takeover from the Spaniard. Rafa Benitez has more problems this morning with injuries to key forward Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard. However on a brighter note for the Spaniard Liverpool have announced that they have completed the signing of Atletico Madrid and Argentinean star Maxi Rodriguez on a free transfer on a three and a half year deal. SKY BET – FAVOURITES TO REPLACE RAFA BENITEZ Kenny Dalglish – 5/2 Guus Hiddink – 5/2 Jose Mourinho – 5/1 Gerard Houllier – 5/1 Jurgen Klinsmann – 5/1 Oswaldo de Oliveira – 12/1 Martin O’Neill – 8/1 Roy Hodgson – 16/1 Frank Rijkaard – 16/1 Maurice Pelligrini – 16/1 Phil Scolari – 16/1 Steve McClaren – 25/1 (Sport.co.uk) Carragher says sorry Jamie Carragher has apologised to Liverpool fans after their embarrassing FA Cup exit at the hands of Reading. The club's vice-captain admits that the Reds' performance against the Championship strugglers was "not acceptable". They led 1-0 via an own goal but conceded a late penalty and then an extra-time goal to crash out of the competition. "It was a very bad night for Liverpool and we can't disguise that - we had to do more against a side from a lower league," Carragher told the Liverpool Echo. "We have to apologise for the way we performed. We have to give credit to Reading, hold our hands up. We all like to win but when you don't, you have to be a good loser." (Football 365)  Liverpool FC in chaos both on and off the pitch It seemed like business as usual for Rafa Benitez last night. But this has been an unusual week. The Liverpool manager remained composed and unflustered as he answered some pressing questions about his team’s FA Cup exit to Championship strugglers Reading. “We have to improve defensively but we also have to take our chances,” he said. Of course, we’ve heard it before this season as Liverpool have lurched from one problem to another. At least the headlines might be dominated by events on the pitch again. The 2-1 defeat completed a couple of miserable days when, not for the first time in recent years at Anfield, football has taken a back seat. In what should have been an uneventful build-up to the third round replay it was off the field matters that caused the club further embarrassment. Following the postponement of Saturday’s league game with Tottenham, it should have been a slow news week. Instead, in the time it takes to send an e-mail, all hell broke loose. sincerest apologies' Hicks Jnr is said to be mortified by the whole sorry affair. Whether his feelings bear comparison to the emotions of Liverpool fans every time the club's dirty linen is washed in public is another matter. (David Randles - Liverpool Echo)   Liverpool interest in 'keeper confirmed The father of Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici has confirmed his son is attracting interest from Liverpool and has advised him to move to Anfield if a formal offer is forthcoming. Federici, 24, was a member of the Reading side that shocked Liverpool on Wednesday night when forcing extra time with a late penalty and then winning 2-1 in the FA Cup third-round replay at Anfield. The Australian, who has made 26 appearances in all competitions for the Royals this season, has been linked with a move to Merseyside in recent days. While Federici is undoubtedly being targeted as a back-up to current number one Jose Reina, his father, Tony, feels a transfer to Anfield could prove difficult to resist. "If I was advising him, in the big scheme of things, you'd have to be mad not to not to take it," Federici senior told the Daily Mirror. "I spoke to Adam and his agent has said he was aware that there had been some contact. "There is some substance to it, but I don't know how keen Reading would be to let him go given he is their first-choice keeper. "Adam has always wanted to play with one of the top four or five clubs. We'll all know more after Thursday. To be part of such a big club would be a great opportunity, but he needs to play." (Soccernet) Whelan urges Reds to sack Rafa Ronnie Whelan believes Liverpool should have sacked Rafa Benitez "a long time ago" and must appoint someone new until the end of the season. Pressure on Benitez increased on Wednesday night as Liverpool were dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship strugglers Reading in a third-round replay at Anfield. Liverpool, one of the pre-season title favourites, have endured a difficult campaign having also slipped out of contention in the Premier League and been knocked out of the Champions League. Whelan, who made 493 appearances for the Reds and captained them in their 1989 FA Cup final win, believes the team now need a new direction. The ex-Republic of Ireland international, 48, told BBC Radio Five Live: "The way Liverpool have been playing, they have not been good. They have lost 10 of the last 20 games. "He should have gone a long time ago. They have got to do it now. "Do they bring in someone until the end of the season? Kenny Dalglish is back at the football club. Could he do it until the end of the season and see what happens?" (TEAMtalk) Scans for Gerrard and Torres Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both face scans later on Thursday after being injured during Liverpool's shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Reading on Wednesday night. The Reds saw their star duo hurt on a night when the Anfield faithful saw their side humbled 2-1 after extra-time by the Championship side. Under-pressure Rafa Benitez told the club's website afterwards: "Both players will have a scan tomorrow (Thursday) and we have to wait for the doctor. Gerrard has a problem with his hamstring and Torres twisted his knee. "Yossi Benayoun also has some problems with his ribs so again we will have to wait." Liverpool, who realistically now only have a top-four spot and the Europa League to play for this season, are due to visit Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime. (SportingLife) McAteer: Reds running out of answers Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer admits the Reds can have no excuses for their latest embarrassing result. Manager Rafael Benitez's troubled campaign took another turn for the worse as his side were bundled out of the FA Cup by Championship strugglers Reading on Wednesday night. The result increases the pressure on Benitez with his side already out of the Champions League and seventh in the Barclays Premier League. McAteer told LFC TV: "Sometimes you just can't defend that kind of performance. It was poor." He added: "Liverpool just didn't really create anything and to be fair the better team won on the night." (The Irish Independet/PA Sport)   Benitez vows to fight on at Liverpool Under-pressure Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has vowed to fight on, despite seeing his side exit the FA Cup at the hands of Championship outfit Reading. The Reds squandered a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 after extra time in their third-round replay with the Royals. Liverpool are already out of the Champions League and are 12 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea. "Everybody has been talking about me but I'll keep working hard with my team," Benitez told the club's website. "From the beginning of the season we have been a little bit frustrated but we have to carry on. When you are in the race you need to keep going. "We are not in the competition [FA Cup] any more. If the critics are fair, then it's OK but it's been the same for three months." (BBC Sport Online)
	WEDNESDAY 13
	Benitez 6/1 to go this week Rafael Benitez is 6/1 to have left his post as Liverpool manager before Saturday's game with Stoke after another disastrous result on Wednesday night. The Reds lost 2-1 to Reading in their FA Cup third-round replay at Anfield, effectively ending their chances of domestic silverware this season. Benitez is now 6/1 with Sky Bet to be gone by the weekend when failure to beat the Potters would make Liverpool's goal of winning a place in next season's Champions League look even more distant. The Harrogate-based firm make it 5/6 (from evens) that the Spaniard sees the current season out at Anfield. He's the same price to be gone by May. bet365 make him odds-on (8/11) to be gone before the end of the season, while he's 4/9 to be out of his job by the start of the 2010/11 campaign. Their spokesman Steve Freeth said: "The excuses are running out for Rafa." (Bettingzone) Reds flushed by Royals Shane Long's extra-time goal gave Reading a deserved 2-1 victory over Liverpool in their FA Cup third-round replay at Anfield. Gylfi Sigurdsson's injury-time penalty forced the game into extra-time to cancel out Ryan Bertrand's unfortunate own goal on the stroke of half-time. Long came off the bench to win the penalty after being kicked by Yossi Benayoun inside the box and Sigurdsson coolly slotted the ball past Diego Cavalieri, sending the reserve goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot. Reading grabbed the winner 10 minutes into the first period of extra-time when Brynjar Gunnarsson skipped past Benayoun and nutmegged Emiliano Insua before sending a cross over for Long to head home from six yards. To make matters worse on a miserable night for Rafa Benitez he saw star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard forced off with knocks. (Sky Sports)  Liverpool hold Genk talks Belgian outfit Genk are ready to tie up a co-operation deal with Liverpool. Genk officials are set to hold talks with their Reds counterparts this week, to discuss terms on the proposed arrangement. Director general Dirk Degraen and coach Frank Vercautern are set to travel to Merseyside in the coming days. "Now we are going to look on which way we can co-operate in the short term," Degraen told Het Belang van Limburg. "Liverpool has a very big squad and many players didn't get many minutes. "Genk can offer a solution for that, if we are offered the players that can make our squad better. "Liverpool wants to sign young talented players from Africa and South America. But because of the British law it isn't possible. We can get the players to Belgium and let them develop. It would be a win-win situation for both clubs. "We still have to talk about how to work the co-operation. At the moment we don't even know which players we can get." (Sky Sports) Aqua faces Reading Alberto Aquilani starts for Liverpool in tonight's FA Cup third round replay at home to Reading - listen live from 7.25pm GMT. The Italian is one of five changes to the team that drew 1-1 at the Madejski, with Diego Cavalieri, Philipp Degen, Daniel Agger and Yossi Benayoun also involved. Liverpool: Cavalieri, Degen, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Aquilani, Lucas, Benayoun, Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres. Subs: Aurelio, Babel, Ngog, Spearing, Skrtel, Gulacsi, Pacheco. (LFC Official Website) Torres thrilled with Maxi deal Fernando Torres has pledged to help Maxi Rodriguez adapt to English football - but he is expecting something in return. The pair played together for two years at Atletico Madrid and Torres is confident the Argentina international can be a star in the Barclays Premier League. El Nino will be there to lend a helping hand - but the superstar striker hopes it will be a mutually beneficial reunion. He explained to Liverpoolfc.tv: "He has a very good mentality - a winner, just like every Argentinean player. He has Javier Mascherano as a friend, not just me, so we can help him adapt during his first days here in England. "And of course he can help me score goals. One of the main qualities he has is to help strikers. He will help Stevie, Dirk or myself to score goals because he gets a lot of assists. "Maxi will help us a lot. I played with him for two seasons at Atletico and he's a very good player. I am sure he'll score goals and work hard. He is a team player." Torres also lifted the lid on conversations between the pair about Liverpool over the last few years. "I talk to him every month or so because I have a good relationship with him," said the No.9. "We always talk about Liverpool, how big the club is and how I'd like to play with him again. "He likes Liverpool, he likes the mentality and the history. I'm sure he'll be very happy to join Liverpool. "I have no doubt he can adapt to English football. He is an international player who's played in World Cups and South American cups. He knows about the top level." (LFC Official Website) Rafa's delight at Maxi deal Rafael Benitez is confident new signing Maxi Rodriguez has all the necessary attributes to become a success in the Barclays Premier League. The 29-year-old became Liverpool's first acquisition of the January transfer window when he put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal at Anfield on Wednesday. And Benitez believes the former Atletico Madrid ace will prove to be a fine addition to his Reds squad. "We were looking for players with character and a good mentality," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He has played for Argentina and Atletico Madrid and is a player with personality. "He can play in three positions - on the right, left or as a second striker - and is someone with a very positive mentality, which is what we are looking for." (LFC Official Website)     In profile: Our new no. 17 Liverpool today announced the acquisition of Maxi Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid. Here's the lowdown on our new number 17. A talented winger with an eye for goal, Maxi is the Reds' first signing of the January transfer window. The Argentina international can play on either flank and has also been known to feature in an attacking midfield role. Nicknamed La Fiera, he first came to prominence with Newell's Old Boys and enjoyed three seasons with Los Leprosos after rising through their youth system. (LFC Official Website)    Maxi Rodriguez makes Reds move Liverpool have signed Argentina international Maxi Rodriguez on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid. The 29-year-old winger has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal with Rafael Benitez's side after spending four years in the Spanish capital. After passing a medical and agreeing terms Rodriguez put pen to paper on the deal, which is subject to international clearance. (Football 365) Liverpool FC deny signing Marouane Chamakh in £25m deal Liverpool today rubbished suggestions they have signed Marouane Chamakh in a £25m deal. It is no secret the Reds are in the race to sign the 26-year-old striker from Bordeaux, along with several other clubs but they are still waiting to hear whether their bid to land him has been successful. Chamakh is available on a Bosman in June and has indicated that he will make a decision on his future by the end of the current transfer window. But Liverpool have not tried to steal a march on their rivals by offering him a £12m signing on fee or a contract reported to be worth more than £60,000 a week. That would equate to a deal worth more than £100,000 per week for a player who is currently earns around a tenth of that figure in Ligue 1. Liverpool are intent exercising prudence and are simply interested in individuals who are want enhance their medal collection rather swelling their bank balance. (Liverpool Echo) Church relishing Reds showdown Reading striker Simon Church has warned Liverpool not to underestimate his side as they look to dump the seven-time FA Cup winners out of the competition. The Royals will swap the lower reaches of the Coca-Cola Championship for the bright lights of Anfield as they look to make it through to the fourth round of the FA Cup. Brian McDermott's side earned a third-round replay against the Reds after holding the 2006 winners to a 1-1 home draw on January 2. Church opened the scoring at the Madejski Stadium and is hoping he can repeat the feat. "You always want to play in the big stadiums and against the big players and it would be great to score at Anfield," the 21-year-old said. "People think it will be a walkover for Liverpool but we have to have the belief that we can go there and give them a game. "We can take a lot of confidence from the first game because they obviously put out a full-strength team and we kept them quiet for a long time. We also created a lot of chances so we can only take that confidence in with us." (Press Association Sport) Purslow: We won’t be selling Gerrard or Torres Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow has dismissed weekend reports that suggested star players Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard may be sold this summer. Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO Purslow said “The idea that we would ever wish to sell our top players is completely against the interests of this club.” (This is Anfield)   Liverpool set to sell naming rights to new stadium Liverpool will sell off the naming rights to their new stadium at Stanley Park, the club's commercial director has revealed. The stadium is not due to start being built until April, but Ian Ayre has admitted that he has already spoken with several companies over the possible branding of the new arena. Liverpool are looking to raise new revenue streams and will seek a deal that tops the £100 million that Arsenal got for changing their stadium name to 'Emirates Stadium' and Ayre said: "Naming rights is now an accepted part of building any new footballing venue in the world. And as one of only a few global football brands, it would be crazy of us not to tap into that opportunity. "It is an area that some of our competitors have dabbled - Arsenal for example - and it is an opportunity for us to step forward. But what is important again is to find the right partner, who offers the right cultural fit. Who knows who that would be for Liverpool, but we have had some interest certainly." (Soccernet staff)  Benitez wins battle to spend funds from Babel transfer Rafael Benitez has won a battle with the Liverpool hierarchy after being told he will be able to spend any money he raises from the sale of Ryan Babel this month. Senior figures within the Anfield boardroom have performed an about-turn on the issue of funds generated from player sales after initially warning Benitez that money raised would not be reinvested in his playing squad in the transfer window. Dutch winger Babel, the subject of a £9m bid from Birmingham City earlier this month, is ready to leave Liverpool in an effort to secure his place in Holland's World Cup squad. An £11.5m buy from Ajax in July 2007, the 23-year-old failed to justify his price tag at Anfield, but the club will look to raise in the region of £10m. Fiorentina are keen to sign the player, with Galatasaray, managed by former Holland and Ajax coach Frank Rijkaard, also interested. (Irish Independent) Thor Zakariassen ©