RAFA EYES ARGENTINIAN YOUNGSTER

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is confident of sealing a deal for Racing Santander defender Ezequiel Marcelo Garay.

The People says Benitez has settled on a fee of £10 million for the Argentine youngster, though whether he will move to Anfield in January will depend on the club's American owners.

However, the aftermath of the three-hour meeting, though amicable, suggested that Benitez is having to come to terms with the news that he will have to sell before he can spend significantly when the transfer window opens in January.

Editor's Notes

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to identify that Liverpool are thin in cover in centre-half. Although Sami Hyypia should be applauded for his good positioning and quick thinking, there would be times when his legs would be unable to carry where his head wants him to go. He is nonetheless still a great player to have but he can no longer cope with ninety-minutes of breakneck speed.

Highly-rated 21-year-old Argentine Ezequiel Garay, has been getting some rave reviews performing admirably for Spanish outfit Racing Santander, earning an international cap along the way. Garay is notable for a good ability to score especially by spot-kicks or freekicks. He has been linked to almost every top European sides notably the Mancs. After seeing his pursue of Nemanja Vidic being scuppered by Alex F, I reckon that Rafa would want to make a sweep right from the offing.

Having said that, Rafa had the believed previously that he had got a top-drawer deal when he signed Gabriel Paletta and we all know what happened next. Personally, I have not seen him in action before but still coughing out £10 million for a youngster could be consider as a risk for the American owners. Perhaps, a defender who has been plying his trade in the EPL would be a better option, someone in the mould of Newcastle's Steven Taylor or Man City's Micah Richards.

About the issue of having to sell-off to buy, I feel that Momo Sissoko is fighting a losing battle over his compatriots, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and wonderboy Lucas Leiva. Liverpool could definitely recoup back the money they spent to get him.
The other could be John Arne Riise, who is fast losing the faith of the manager and fans alike with his lack of contribution.

Aside from signing a centre-half, Rafa's main priority would still be making Mascherano's move a permanent one at £17 million. The American owners would definitely face the wrath of the Kop if they decide to turn on a deaf ear.