Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to push for a deal for Valencia wing ace David Silva. The Independent says Benitez is ready to intensify his interest in Silva, his negotiating position enhanced by the Spanish club's diminishing prospects of selling their other prime asset, David Villa.

The 23-year-old Silva can play wide, as a withdrawn striker or as an attacking midfielder and is not a straight replacement for Xabi Alonso. Valencia have been on the brink of bankruptcy all summer and will accept nothing less than a straight cash deal for him.