LIVERPOOL’S American owners are believed to be refusing to release funds for boss Rafael Benitez to buy a centre-back to ease the club’s injury problems before the transfer window shuts.

Liverpool’s American owners are believed to be refusing to release funds for boss Rafael Benitez to buy a centre-back to ease the club’s injury problems before the transfer window shuts.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has defended his decision to pay over the odds for right-back Glen Johnson, even though he admitted the deal has cost him more than he had hoped.