Liverpool in for the long-haul on Robbie Keane chase

Liverpool are ready to mount a summer-long pursuit of Tottenham skipper Robbie Keane.

Spurs have tried to ward off Rafa Benitez's interest by valuing the Republic of Ireland striker at £20million.

But Benitez is prepared to be patient after Keane told friends he would love to join his boyhood club.

The Reds boss is willing to offer Peter Crouch as a makeweight in any deal plus £5million cash.

Spurs manager Juande Ramos, like Benitez, is strapped for cash this summer, and Liverpool hope his interest in Crouch could clinch the deal.

Anfield insiders claim their pursuit of Keane could turn into another saga like Gareth Barry, but Benitez will put up with more frustration if he ultimately lands his man.