Phil Thompson says Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has already made his best signing of the summer - Sammy Lee.

Ex-Reds coach Thommo told liverpoolfc.tv: "I don't care who comes in on the playing side, I'm not so sure anyone will better Sammy coming back to Liverpool.

"There's so much to be gained by him coming back. For me, he could be the best signing of the summer."

He also said: "I am delighted Sammy is back. In fact I never wanted him to leave in the first place.

"When I departed my position as assistant manager I expressed my belief that Sammy should have taken the role alongside Rafa.

"But Rafa wanted to bring in his own people, which I fully understand. I just thought it would have been a step in the right direction to appoint Sammy. It didn't happen and he moved on."