Sourced fro Skysports website today....
Rafa Benitez admits Fifa's rules would not dissuade him from bidding for Javier Mascherano, although he refused to confirm he wanted to sign the midfielder.
Mascherano is desperate to leave West Ham United after struggling to settle since arriving at Upton Park from Corinthians in August.
Juventus have dropped their interest in the Argentine and he has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool.
Fifa rules prevent a player turning out for more than two clubs between a period of 1st July and 30th June.
Reds boss Benitez is not put off by the regulations, but was reluctant to commit himself to an interest in Mascherano.
"There are a lot of similar situations with players who have played for three clubs in the same season, and in some cases four, so I think it is not a problem," said Benitez.
"We are watching good players and we want to find someone who can add more balance, but at this moment we are focusing on the next game and we are not talking about players.
"I don't like to talk about those names and rumours in the press."
Benitez also reiterated his stance that Liverpool duo Peter Crouch and Xabi Alonso are not for sale.
Crouch has been linked with Newcastle and Juventus, while Alonso has been tipped to return to Spain.
"This is clear, we don't want to sell Peter Crouch," said Benitez.
"He (Alonso) has a contract and we are happy with him. He's happy with the club, it was simply a rumour, nothing serious."
Nothing really cleared up regarding Maschereno, maybe there's work behind the scenes going on. Again if the dispensation is granted, then he WILL be wearing The Red strip over the next few months at least.
Regarding Crouch and Alonso, Rafa has not stated that they won't be sold - "we don't want to sell Peter Crouch" does not mean if a too good to refuse offer comes in he won't be sold, regarding Alonso "it was simply a rumour, nothing serious" doesn't fill me with confidence.
These are my views, and are open to debate. Personnally I would sign Maschereno (if allowed to play), not sell Alonso - too good to leave, and if an offer above £10m came in then sell Crouch (as long as a replacement comes in). Also, as long as the price was right, bring in Lucas Neill - under £1m. You are not going to find a better right back who has good Prem. experience and is an International captain for this sort of money. Yes I know there are a lot better, but we do need cover for Finnan, and at the mo, money is tight.
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