Liverpool buyout will mean new stadium

RAFAEL BENITEZ is excited at the prospect of Liverpool having a new home, providing they maintain the special Anfield atmosphere.

The prospect of the club moving into a state-of-the art stadium moved a step closer this week.

Liverpool have given exclusive rights to Dubai International Capital (DIC) — a firm owned by the wealthy Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai — to inspect Liverpool’s accounts as part of an anticipated £450 million buy-out.

The takeover holds the key to a new stadium and being able to compete with the richest clubs in the world.

Liverpool manager Benitez said: “It would be fantastic if we could get more supporters in and keep the atmosphere like it is at Anfield.

“The club would have more money with a new stadium and for the future of the club it would be a good opportunity.

“Of course we would want to keep some things and that would be Liverpool’s tradition.

“We all know what that tradition is — winning games and winning trophies.”

While Benitez just wants to get on with the business of winning matches — Liverpool entertain Fulham today — he would like a speedy end to any takeover talks. That would probably free up any transfer money sooner rather than later.

He said: “If the chairman (David Moores) and Rick Parry (chief executive), say it is a good deal I trust them. Of course it would be better to finish a situation like this as soon as possible.

“If the chairman gives me some good news (about finance) it would be helpful.

“I am happy with the squad we have but if we can improve then we will do. We have some names just in case.”

Liverpool are one of five British clubs — Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Celtic are the others — who have progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Benitez claims it is another example of how strong the domestic game is.

He said: “I am not surprised at how many Premier League teams are through as the level is high here.

“It’s good news for all the clubs and maybe we’ll see Liverpool in the final.

“There are certainly a lot of possibilities for British teams in the competition.”

Liverpool fielded a weakened side in midweek, having already clinched their passage, and lost to Galatasaray in Turkey.

However on the plus side Robbie Fowler scored twice to emphasise his claim for a place in the team.

Benitez said: “It is difficult for me to decide which players to use up front and gives me a headache.

“Crouch, Bellamy and Kuyt are all scoring and now Fowler is. They are all good finishers.”

Liverpool defeated Wigan 4-0 last time out in the league and Benitez added: “It is important the players and my staff focus on beating Fulham and not concern themselves about any takeover.”