Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been told he must raise his own transfer funds this summer.

The Daily Star Sunday says with Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett so far unsuccessful in their attempt to sell the club, there is no significant transfer budget for Benitez.

And it means that unless there is investment in the club, the Kop boss would be able to make only relatively small signings.

He has told staff he would have to sell two senior players to generate funds for his targets, such as Aston Villa's England midfielder Gareth Barry, who has publicly stated he will only stay with Martin O'Neill's club if they secure a Champions League place.

Spain's Xabi Alonso could be one player who would have to be sacrificed.