Following the collapse of his pursuit of Bordeaux winger Marouane Chamakh last month, Benitez will now turn his focus elsewhere.

With £6million raised from the sales of Andrea Dossena and Andriy Voronin in the transfer window, the Liverpool manager could seek to raise extra funds by moving on Ryan Babel or Albert Riera who have both been the subject of speculation this season.

Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers midfielder, Vince Grella, has reignited the feud between Benitez and Rovers manager Sam Allardyce.

Benitez was critical of Blackburn’s physical approach in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Anfield last weekend while also criticising Allardyce’s long-ball tactics.

Despite picking up five yellow cards and conceding 25 fouls in the game, former Parma and Torino player, Grella, believes Blackburn played well and Liverpool’s players couldn’t wait to get off the pitch.

“I’ve played football in Italy for a long time and to be labelled a long-ball specialist was a little bit offensive.

“But it’s part of football. You’ve got to have thick skin.

“I’m a little bit disappointed. I thought we had a great game against Liverpool.

“I’ve seen it in Liverpool’s players’ eyes that it was a tough game for them and they couldn’t wait for the final whistle.”