Liverpool target Keane as David Villa proves too pricey

Rafa Benitez revealed last night that he will turn to Robbie Keane after being priced out of the bidding for David Villa.

The Liverpool manager admitted that, while he is keen on Euro 2008 star Villa, he cannot meet Valencia's £30million price tag. Instead, he will look towards Tottenham's striker Keane, who was a fan of Liverpool as a child.

Spurs will resist any move for their skipper, but there is a feeling at the Merseyside club that he could be tempted north.

Benitez was reluctant to talk directly about Liverpool's bid for Keane but confirmed that an approach had been made to Tottenham.

He said: "Keane is clearly a player with game intelligence and we are looking for players who can fit into our systems and improve the team.

"Keane is one of the names we are looking at and we have had contact.

"We're looking for players with the right quality - we'll find some in the next few days."

Villa, however, is unlikely to be one of those.

Valencia have just found new investors who are keen to hang on to their FROM BACK PAGE best players - and that has priced Liverpool out of the market.

David Silva, Villa's team-mate who also interested Liverpool, has also been given a high price tag.

Benitez said: "I mentioned Villa as one of the names we are looking at and he is on our list - but we know the price of him.

"Valencia have new investors and they want to keep their best players - and given the players we have, we need to look for another kind.

"We will continue to look for good players but not at crazy prices."

Benitez also confirmed that talks will continue with Juventus over the sale of Xabi Alonso.

If he can raise £15m for him, then he will continue to negotiate for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

MIND THE GAP

Rafa Benitez has won the Champions League, European Super Cup and the FA Cup during four seasons at Anfield, but the Premier League title has proved a distant dream. The closest Liverpool have been to the champions is the nine points they trailed behind Chelsea in 2 006.