Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez remains keen on Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey.

However, The Times says Benitez must sell to fund any move for the former Anfield forward.

Heskey's desire to play regularly in advance of next summer's World Cup in South Africa had raised Liverpool's hopes that he may be ready to quit Villa - where he has struggled to hold down a starting spot -- just a year after joining the Midlands club.

The situation has become increasingly complicated in recent weeks, however, with the 31-year-old getting a run in the team in which he has scored three goals in his past seven games.