Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is on the verge of joining Chelsea.

The Israel international looks likely to sign with the English champions for £6million after the Reds rejected an earlier bid for £4million although Rafael Benitez is reported to want as much as £10m.

The Blues see Benayoun as a perfect replacement for Joe Cole who is set to leave after the World Cup.

Benayoun confirmed last week that a deal was imminent, saying: "(Carlo) Ancelotti wants me for next season and now everything depends on Liverpool.

"Chelsea will have to pay some £6million but, I believe that, in the end, I'll be moving there."