Manchester City are ready to fight Portsmouth for Liverpool winger Yossi Benayoun as Mark Hughes steps up his rebuilding plans at Eastlands, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Blues boss is also reportedly interested in Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic and a deal for both could cost as much as £14m.

Israel international Benayoun is determined to stay and fight for his place at Anfield, but Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to cash in on the player he only signed from West Ham last year.

Stankovic is another option, after being told he is surplus to requirements at Inter by new boss Jose Mourinho.

Stankovic, who is also interesting Everton, would cost in the region of £8m while Benayoun would be available for £6m.