“We finished four points behind United but we are improving. We are getting more points every season. I know that every year we can finish with more points. I have recommended the names to Benitez and I hope we have the money.”

Meanwhile, despite Benitez insisting the signing of Glen Johnson does not necessarily mean Alvaro Arbeloa’s days at Anfield are numbered, the player’s agent claims the right-back is keen to leave Anfield.

The Spain international’s future at Anfield is in doubt following the big-money capture of Johnson from Portsmouth.

Real Madrid have confirmed their interest in Arbeloa and his representative Manuel Garcia Quilon believes Liverpool should let him move on.

“Alvaro has a year left on his current deal and Rafa Benitez knows that it’s best to let him go now,” Garcia Quilon said.

“The career of a football player has many stages and he is qualified to play anywhere.”

But Benitez has not ruled out the possibility of the 26-year-old staying.

“Arbeloa was a good player for us last year. He has one year left on his contract and we have offered him an extension and we’re talking,” Benitez said.

“He is our player but if there is a good offer we have to consider it.

“We have two or three clubs asking about him. He would like to stay but he knows the competition will be hard.”

Benitez is also happy with the outlay on his first signing of the summer.

“We knew the market was going to be difficult this summer and some of it has been crazy,” he said.

“We had to be quick and the club acted quickly. It was down to the player whether he chose us or City or Chelsea and he chose us.”