“Both clubs arrogantly chose to ignore this request and we now have evidence that both clubs have systematically been working to prise the players away from us, outside of Premier League rules of conduct.”
However, Keane’s imminent arrival could pave the way for Andriy Voronin to leave, with German Bundesliga side Hamburg reportedly preparing a bid in the region of £3m for the Ukrainian striker.
Gareth Barry remains determined to also move to Anfield, with Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill claiming Liverpool have yet to respond to their latest demand for the England international.
“I’ve spoken to him (Gareth) this week and he reiterated a desire to join Liverpool,” said O’Neill. “So the situation remains unchanged, we’re still waiting to hear back from Liverpool.”
Benitez is still intent on signing Barry, but with Xabi Alonso’s proposed move to Juventus having been scrapped and the transfer focus subsequently turning towards Keane, funds could prove a problem unless Villa lower their asking price.
However, Benitez’s financial hand has been strengthened by the sale yesterday of Scott Carson to West Bromwich Albion.
The newly-promoted Baggies have splashed out £3.25m on the 22-year-old England international, a fee that could eventually rise to £3.75m.
Carson, who turned down an offer to join Stoke City, has penned a four-year deal with the club holding an option to extend the contract by another year.
“Scott is a young keeper who has achieved a lot in a short space of time,” said West Brom manager Tony Mowbray.
“I think he’s been looking for some stability in his career after spending a lot of his time as a Liverpool player out on loan at other clubs.”
Carson, signed by Benitez for £750,000 from Leeds United in January 2005, spent last season on loan at Aston Villa after earlier temporary spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic.
He made only nine appearances for Liverpool, the last of which came in the 5-3 FA Cup win at Luton Town in January 2006.
Liverpool youngster Adam Hammill has extended his current deal at Anfield until 2011 by signing a new three-year contract, but will spend the next six months on loan at Coca-Cola Championship side Blackpool.
The 20-year-old midfielder has yet to play a competitive game for Liverpool first team but spent last year at Southampton on a season-long loan and was a part of the 2006 FA Youth Cup-winning side.
Meanwhile, Fabio Aurelio has warned Andrea Dossena he will face a fight for a regular first-team place.
He said: “I hope he proves to be a good signing for us and help us to win things this season. I am happy to fight for my place because I know we are all fighting to reach the same objective.”
