Liverpool duo heading for exit door as Rafa Benitez bids to raise cash for Hamburg star

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is hoping to raise £15million from the sale of misfits Andrea Dossena and Ryan Babel – and wants to splash some of the cash on Dutchman Eljero Elia.

Roma and Napoli are set to battle it out for the signature of Italian international Dossena when the transfer window opens in January.

Liverpool want to recoup most of the £7m they paid Udinese for the 28-year-old just 18 months ago.

Benitez will also look to find a buyer for Babel, who has failed to meet expectations since joining the Reds for £12m at the same time.

The boss has identified Hamburg striker Elia as the man to ease the goalscoring burden on Fernando Torres.

But the German club will want a profit on the £8m they paid FC Twente for the Holland international last summer.

Benitez needs to generate funds for new recruits. And Dossena is desperate to leave  to safeguard his place in Italy’s World Cup squad.

His agent, Roberto La Florio, confirmed that Roma and Napoli have both registered an interest.

La Florio said: “Andrea is getting no space at Liverpool and he wants to return to Italy to play more regularly so that he can be a part of the squad for the World Cup.”

Babel, 22, scored a sensational Champions League goal for in the 1-1 draw with Lyon this month. But Benitez has run out of patience with him.

10 things you need to know Eljero Elia - plus video of him in action.