Benitez balks at fee for ageing Figo
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-12 09:02

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes Peter Crouch will join the European champions but admits Luis Figo is becoming less likely to follow suit.

Crouch could join from Southampton before the end of the week, but hopes are fading that a deal for former FIFA World Player of the Year Figo could be achieved.

Manager Benitez is waiting for the final details of new midfielder Mohamed Sissoko's medical to be completed before finalising his ￡5.6m move from Valencia.

Benitez, whose side begin the defence of their Champions League title against Welsh minnows TNS on Wednesday, also wants to sign another central defender and a right-sided midfielder.

But the chase for Southampton and England striker Crouch seems to be nearing a conclusion.

Benitez said: 'Our chief executive Rick Parry is in contact with Southampton. Crouch is a player I like and I would hope that the final talking will be over as soon as possible.'

Liverpool have had a couple of bids for Crouch rejected, with Southampton believed to be holding out for ￡8million.

That is more than Liverpool have offered, but it seems now that a compromise of around ￡7million will be negotiated for a player thought keen to move to Anfield.

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