Rafael Benitez has admitted Liverpool's cash crisis means they
would consider selling star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
Since the Reds accepted a £30million bid from Chelsea
for skipper Gerrard back in 2005, Benitez has always insisted he
would never entertain offers for his key duo.
Manchester City's reported interest in Span striker Torres
last season was met by a definitive rebuff from Benitez, who has
previously claimed he would quit the Reds if the frontman was
allowed to leave.
Benitez's guarantee of Champions League football next season
is by no means a certainty as Liverpool trail Tottenham, Aston
Villa and City this term and the ramifications of missing out on
the financial windfall of a top-four finish could be crippling for
the Reds.
And Benitez has given the first indication that the five-time
European champions would be forced to consider offers due to their
lack of funds, although the Spanish tactician does not expect the
scenario to materialise.
"We would have a conversation and decide what's the best for
the club," said Benitez, who has admitted Liverpool do not have the
resources to turn down world record bids. "I've said before I want
to keep the best players here because that means we can be closer
to the top four. They are the most important.
"We gave extensions to players because we want to keep the
squad together.
"If you ask any manager in the world they will tell you they
want more money and want to spend but at this moment we have to do
what's best for the club. That means managing the situation for
each player and see what happens."
