Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is chasing Valencia's £20 million-rated winger David Silva.

The Daily Mail says Benitez believes he can talk Valencia into parting with a player dubbed the new Pablo Aimar but may have greater difficulty persuading co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to meet the asking price.

He sees the capture of 22-year old Silva, who can operate on either flank or just behind the main striker, as a statement of intent, though, and is exploring ways of funding a deal.