by stoney » Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:19 am
Reds boss Rafa Benitez is anxious to bring in a new right winger before the close of the transfer window after missing out on Portuguese ace Luis Figo.
Benitez is scouring Europe for the missing piece in his jigsaw and has been linked with Bolton's Stelios Giannakopoulos and Fulham's Steed Malbranque.
The Spanish coach is also looking outside of The Premiership and has been mentioned in connection with Lyon attacker Wiltord and Bayern Munich man Salihamidzic.
Rumours persist that Wiltord is unsettled at Lyon as, despite previous denials, reports continue that he has a strained relationship with coach Gerard Houllier.
The former Arsenal man has 12 months remaining on his contract and has yet to fully convince the ex-Liverpool boss of his merits for a regular place in the starting line-up.
But while Benitez is looking at Wiltord, it is understood his preferred targets are Malbranque and Salihamidzic.
The Bosnia international has spent seven seasons with Bayern and is a valuable member of Felix Magath's squad.
He has two years left on his contract and Benitez may have to stump up a significant sum if he follows through with his interest in the wide man.
Skysports