Figo and Crouch are too expensive for Benitez
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Liverpool manager had agreed terms with Figo on a free transfer before Real Madrid's insistence on a €3m (£2.1m) fee stalled the deal while Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe is continuing to hold out for £8m for Crouch.
Benitez is keen to secure both players before heading to a Swiss training camp this weekend. However, Liverpool will not pay over their second offer of £6.5m for the England international and now face strong competition from Internazionale for 32-year-old Figo.
"We have two or three options for the right-hand side but I think Figo will be difficult now," said the Liverpool manager, who embarks on his first competitive fixture of the season tomorrow against TNS in the opening round of the Champions' League qualifiers.
"We have tried but it doesn't look as good now as it did a few days ago. I know what the problems are but a solution will be very difficult. Maybe we need to look somewhere else now. Crouch is a player I like too. I would like that finished as quickly as possible because I would like them to come with us to Switzerland."
Benitez, who is also in the market for a central defender, could miss out on Figo after Inter indicated they were willing to meet Madrid's asking price. The player's model wife is also believed to prefer a move to Milan over Merseyside.
Jerzy Dudek's Anfield future, meanwhile, remains in doubt despite his impressive performance in last season's Champions' League final. Liverpool unveiled their new £6m goalkeeper, Jose Reina, yesterday, a player Benitez rates as the finest in his native Spain.
Benitez said: "You have to look at the big picture and think what is best for the club, not what happened in one or two games. Jerzy is a good professional, a nice person, and he knows that he needs to work even harder because I have just signed a new goalkeeper. As a manager I need to analyse the whole season and decide what the team needs and I decided we needed a new goalkeeper. I have explained the situation to Jerzy."
Liverpool also completed the £5m capture of Mohamed Sissoko from Valencia yesterday, a deal that could turn former suitors Everton towards Tottenham's Sean Davis as David Moyes tries to strengthen his midfield options.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments