Rafael Benitez splashed out big money in January - but it wasn't in the transfer window, as Liam Murphy exclusively reveals
IF LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez wants to invite his two new American multi-millionaire bosses back for dinner, he now has the ideal home to host them.
For the Daily Post can today reveal the Anfield supremo has just bought the most expensive house ever sold in Wirral. The exclusive five-bedroom mansion overlooking the Dee Estuary has views over to the Welsh hills.
It was originally marketed for £7m but it is understood that the canny Liverpool manager - known for not paying over the odds in the transfer market - paid just over half that sum.
LFC fans will be delighted with the news as it appears to suggest the popular Spaniard intends to stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future at least, despite rumoured approaches from the likes of Real Madrid.
The house, which was described by estate agents as "one of the finest residences in the Wirral", has an indoor swimming pool complex with changing rooms and sauna, family room, snooker room and wine cellar.
The particulars for the property note its "commanding hilltop position with direct breathtaking views to the Dee Estuary with the Welsh Hills beyond". It was designed by the prominent architect, Ivan Bissell, and is said to be "high-quality family accommodation particularly suited for entertaining".
The entrance hall has a spectacular staircase which leads up three of the house's four floors, with a back staircase and lift giving further access.
The main reception rooms lead from the entrance hall, including the drawing room, dining room, music room "which are well positioned for formal entertaining".
For less formal occasions, there is a sitting room and large kitchen-breakfast room. The Spaniard is sure to feel at home in the orangery, complete with full-height Gothic windows, while an impressive study should help him plot the downfall of Liverpool's opponents.
Most of the main rooms give access to a wide sandstone terrace which runs along the south and west sides of the house. Downstairs is the leisure area including the swimming pool, snooker room and family room.
Paul Lea, of estate agents Bradshaw, Farnham and Lea, who negotiated the sale of the house, said: "In the last year, we have broken the record for the most expensive house sold in Wirral three times, with prices going from just under £3m, to just over £3m to just over £4m.
"I can confirm the house was the most expensive to have been sold in Wirral, but obviously cannot divulge any details about who bought it."
HAVE your say on our Reds Messageboard - click 
RSS News Feed