by Rimetto_ » Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:17 pm
Liverpool’s reported interest in Julio Baptista will not climax in the player’s imminent arrival at Anfield, according to manager Rafa Benitez.
The Reds have been linked to a £6 million move for the Real Madrid forward, who is keen to move away from El Santiago Bernabeu in search of first team football.
However, Benitez does not foresee any more new faces entering the Anfield doors before midnight on Friday, although that does not mean he has stopped looking.
"We were checking some options for the first team squad yesterday, but it's very difficult to find the right players this late,” the Spaniard told Liverpool’s official website.
“I don't think we will be signing anyone now.
"We don't want to sign a player just for the sake of it. It has to be the right player and not for crazy money."
Baptista’s reported move to Liverpool fuelled talks that Peter Crouch would be on his way out of Anfield, with Tottenham, Portsmouth and Newcastle all linked.
However, Benitez insists he is keen to hold onto the man who topped Liverpool’s Champions League goalscoring charts with seven goals last season.
"There has been no bid for Crouch, certainly not before this morning anyway," said Benitez.
"I have the same idea now as I've said before. I don't want to let anyone go. I've spoken to the player and he knows we need him."