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18:20 GMT, Tuesday, 6 January 2009

Benitez relaxed on Reds transfers

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has hinted he is unlikely to do any major transfer deals in January.

The Spaniard is happy with his current squad, that has taken Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and the knockout stage of the Champions League.

He said: "We do not need to go into the transfer market, we are certainly not desperate to do so.

"If we find we need something we will try, but it is always hard in this window and very expensive."

Benitez's hand has been strengthened by the return to fitness of striker Fernando Torres and defenders Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa.

He added: "We finished 2008 very well, we played with style and have scored a lot of goals. I am very pleased and happy with the situation and hope it will be the same in the new year.

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"We have other players apart from Torres coming back from injury. There is Skrtel, Aurelio and Arbeloa all fit now. It will be like signing three new players."

"We are in a good position and I am happy to use the players we have now plus the ones returning from injury."

Liverpool have been strongly linked for moves with former striker Emile Heskey, now at Wigan, and Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson.

But the Reds have made no firm moves and Benitez is now looking increasingly likely to make an assault on three trophies with the players currently at his disposal.

Out-of-favour Jermaine Pennant, who has been linked with Real Madrid, AC Milan and Wigan, may leave.

But Benitez will rebuff any attempts by AC Milan to sign defender Daniel Agger and wants to hold on to Andrea Dossena, who has struggled since his summer arrival from Udinese.

Benitez is keen to keep his defensive resources together after it was confirmed Liverpool will lose impressive Argentine youngster Emiliano Insua until 8 February because he will be at the South American U-20 Championships.



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Related to this story:

Benitez dismisses Agger exit talk (05 Dec 08 |  Liverpool )
Agger keen to commit to Liverpool (30 Dec 08 |  Liverpool )

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