Liverpool's transfer activity is threatening to overshadow
Saturday's FA Cup trip to Reading, with a deal for Maxi Rodriguez
said to be close.
Manager Rafael Benitez is promising "not too many changes" to
his side for the third-round clash at the Madejski Stadium, but
there could soon be changes to his Anfield squad.
The Spaniard has been linked with a host of players with the
transfer window having only just opened, while sources in Spain and
at the club suggest there is a good prospect of Atletico Madrid's
winger Rodriguez arriving on a six-month loan.
Talks are believed to be ongoing for the 29-year-old, who is
a close friend of Reds midfielder and Argentina team-mate Javier
Mascherano. Striker Andriy Voronin could be the first to depart,
with Zenit St Petersburg and Spartak Moscow both interested in the
player.
Voronin has been on holiday over the Christmas period, having
been frozen out by Benitez since a wasteful appearance in the
Champions League draw in Lyon. A string of missed chances by the
Ukrainian ultimately ended Liverpool's genuine hopes of
qualification for the last 16.
Benitez is considering Greece international full-back Vasil
Torosidis as a replacement for Glen Johnson, who could miss up to
two months with his knee injury. Asked if he was considering
signing a full-back,
Benitez said: "Yes, we are working hard (on transfers) and
trying to do our jobs, and we'll see if we can do something.
"We are looking in the market but it's not easy to find good
players available because the majority of them are playing in top
sides. But we are trying to find solutions if we can.
"We have some good players who people are interested in
because they're not playing too many games for us, but we have to
manage carefully."
Ryan Babel will be allowed to leave, but his agent has been
told there is no chance of a loan move, while Andrea Dossena is a
target for Atletico Madrid.
Other players linked with Liverpool are Galatasaray
midfielder Arda Turan, Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic,
Malaga defender Ivan Gonzalez and Crystal Palace youngster Victor
Moses.
But first, Liverpool need to avoid a cup disaster in
Berkshire, having established some measure of confidence and form
with back-to-back league wins over Wolves and Aston Villa.
Benitez added: "The FA Cup is always important, but when you
are out of the Champions League it becomes a major trophy.
"Our fans are still thinking of winning silverware this
season, so that means the FA Cup. It is a very important
competition for us now.
"We must look at our squad and decide what we are going to do
at Reading. We have more training sessions to see how they are, but
because the competition has added importance now maybe we will not
change too many players.
"We know we are facing Spurs eight days later, but that does
give us more time to get players fit so we can field a strong team
at Reading."
