Kuyt flying high with Anfield plea Distribution: world Keywords: world

Hello, we are allowed to defend the CL, so let's all be linked eh?

I'm sure Rafa knew who wanted to come before todays decision.

Kuyt flying high with Anfield plea

Jun 10 2005

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez will spend the weekend reevaluating his striking options after Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt begged the Anfield boss to launch a bid.

Benitez's is working with a budget of £30m as he prepares a major overhaul of his squad, and he'll make numerous signings over the next fortnight.

Chief executive Rick Parry returns from an Academy coaching trip to Barbados today and it promises to be a pivotal weekend at Anfield when he and Benitez meet to finalise their transfer plans.

Kuyt has been a long-term target for Benitez, but having discovered the Reds have turned their attention to Southampton's Peter Crouch, the 24-year-old Dutchman said: "I would really want to go to Liverpool. It's a great club and I hope I can play for them.

"Liverpool have contacted Feyenoord but no bids have been made."

Benitez's problem is an initial £10m valuation which would swallow a third of his summer budget.

The Reds boss switched towards Crouch, hoping he could seal a deal for around £5m.

However, with Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe insisting Crouch won't leave for less than £7m, and reports in Holland suggesting Feyenoord may now accept £8m for Kuyt, it's clear there is more negotiating still to be done before Benitez makes his next move.

There was talk of Jerzy Dudek returning to Holland as part of a deal for Kuyt, but the Pole has stated he wants to stay and fight for his place.

The recent sacking of Ruud Gullit has further complicated matters.

Dutch media have printed an expected squad list for Feyenoord next season with Kuyt a notable absentee.

Newcastle are also being strongly linked with the player, although if Liverpool made a bid there's no doubt they'd be favourites to capture him.

With the round of international fixtures over, events should move quicker over the next seven days.

Crouch has clearly emerged as Benitez's top target over the past week, but the Spaniard won't be held to ransom by the relegated south coast club.

The manager's trump card is both strikers' determination to move to the European Champions.

Kuyt has now made his feelings public, while Crouch has also privately set his heart on a move north.

Benitez, meanwhile, has welcomed Didi Hamann's decision to pen a new one-year contract.

"I'm delighted we have an agreement with Didi," said Benitez.

"He is a very important player for us."