Liverpool have agreed a fee with West Ham United for Yossi Benayoun, the Israel international midfielder.
The 27-year-old, who joined West Ham in a £2.5million move from Spanish club Racing Santander in July 2005, signed a new five-year contract at Upton Park just two months ago, quelling speculation of his mooted departure, but appears to have re-considered his future in the light of Liverpool’s offer.
Benayoun’s agent Ronen Katzav said: “Everybody would be happy to play for Liverpool. West Ham will always be in his heart but he is looking to move up a level.”
Liverpool have also been given permission to speak to Ajax winger Ryan Babel, seemingly unperturbed by the Dutch club’s £13.5m price tag. “We’re not quite there with Ryan Babel yet but we’ve now been given permission by Ajax to talk to the player,” Rick Parry, the Liverpool chairman, said.”We hope to reach an agreement with Ajax very shortly.”
Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, has already added Athletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres and Ukrainian international Andriy Voronin from Bayer Leverkusen to his squad, as he looks to mount a serious challenge for the Premiership title.
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Benayoun’s transfer may well have been eased by the sale of Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy, who moved in the opposite direction for £7.5m yesterday.
David Amoo, the 17-year-old Millwall striker, has also completed a move to Anfield. “David is an exciting young talent with fantastic physical prowess,” Malcolm Eliasm, Liverpool academy’s head of recruitment, said.
Amoo will be joined on the professional staff by two Liverpool youth team players, goalkeeper Martin Hansen and striker Michael Collins, who both signed full contracts upon turning 17 this month.
Spaniard Angel Vales, a lecturer in football at the University of La Coruna in Spain, has been appointed reserve team coach and head of technical analysis. The 40-year-old, who has worked at clubs in Spain and Portugal said: “I am delighted that the boss has chosen me for this position and has faith in me to make it a success.”