Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez reportedly wants to sign Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey, but the Reds’ current financial position is proving to be a stumbling block in the deal. Liverpool, runners up last season, have not looked like a team wanting to challenge for the title this season, and were dumped out of the group stages of the Champions League.
The absence of a suitable replacement for Fernando Torres is one of the reasons for the Reds’ failure to collect points on a regular basis. Andriy Voronin has been unimpressive, while David Ngog lacks the experience needed at this level. Dirk Kuyt has moved from the right wing whenever required, but the Dutchman is not as prolific a goal scorer like El Nino.
Aston Villa originally signed Heskey from Wigan for £3.5m. The striker is also said not to be averse to a switch to Anfield because it will give him regular football with the 2010 World Cup just six months away.
Liverpool signed Heskey from Leicester City in 2001 for a club record £11m, but let him go to Birmingham at the end of the 2003-04 season for less than half of the amount they splashed out on him.
Also Get the very Latest Football Transfer News, Rumours and Gossip direct to your email.