Dirk Kuyt admits he came close to joining Tottenham before signing for Liverpool.

Ahead of today's Premiership kickoff, the Dutch attacker revealed: "They are a nice club. Financially it was really tempting and in Martin Jol they had a good coach.

"But with all respect, Tottenham are not as attractive as Liverpool or Arsenal so they were not on my list."

It was the way that Benitez handled the transfer three years ago that persuaded Kuyt to move to Anfield.

"Liverpool were in the top five of my list," he said. "It was important that Rafa came to me. That is a lesson for players - don't move if it is the chairman or president that knocks on your door.

"You must speak to the manager. You have to be sure it is him that wants you - and Rafa wanted me a lot.

"He was honest with me about how he used the rotation system so I had immediate respect for him."