Real duo out of our league, hints Benitez

RAFAEL BENITEZ yesterday hinted that Liverpool were unlikely to move for Raul and Luis Figo when he claimed: “We know our limitations.”

The Champions League winners have been touted as candidates to sign the pair, but Benitez played down the prospect of the Real Madrid’s superstars making the switch to Anfield.

Qatar club Al Rayyan claim they are in a bidding war with Liverpool for Figo.

His financial demands would probably put a strain on even Liverpool, and Benitez told the El Mundo Deportivo newspaper: “There are many people at Real Madrid that we are aware of, but we really know our limitations.”

Raul was suggested as a Liverpool target last week, but he is considered by president Florentino Perez as the embodiment of the Spanish giants and seems destined to spend his entire career in Madrid.

“There are players that cannot leave and there are others we do not want,” Benitez added.

Liverpool are expected to recruit players who would fit into their wage structure, which would suggest Benitez will be canny rather than eye-catching in his dealing.

The Champions League winners have received a £20.5 million windfall from UEFA, the accumulation of TV money and performance bonuses accrued since last season’s qualifying round. This means Benitez’ transfer budget for the summer, which was expected to be significant in any case, could outstrip what he had to spend 12 months ago after joining from Valencia.

The likes of Xabi Alonso were barely known in England before arriving on Merseyside, but Benitez has proven a shrewd judge of players capable of adapting to the Premiership.

Villarreal goalkeeper Jose Reina is high on Liverpool’s wanted list, although his agent claims another English club have also made an approach, while Deportivo La Coruna striker Albert Luque has invited the European champions to take him to the Premiership.