 RAFAEL BENITEZ has been told by Liverpool’s new American owners they will bankroll a major summer spending spree. The Anfield manager met with co-chairmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks over the weekend for the first time since the duo assumed unconditional control of the club. And Benitez was given the green light to pursue his top transfer targets with the new board ready to back his squad rebuilding as he attempts to close the gap on Manchester United and Chelsea. Sevilla’s Brazilian wing-back Daniel Alves, Barcelona forward Samuel Eto’o and Valencia’s David Villa are among several players Benitez is now likely to pursue, with a striker the top priority on his shopping list. And while Gillett and Hicks won’t follow the example previously set by Roman Abramovich and promise unlimited funds, it is clear the Spaniard will be handed a substantial warchest – understood to be in excess of £40million – when the transfer window opens in June. Of the meeting, Benitez said last night: “We were talking about ideas for the future and it was good. I think it is a bright future. Everything was positive and for me the future of the club looks brilliant. “It clear this is important for the club. Hopefully it will be fantastic for us. “I don’t want to talk about figures because we are about to play a Champions League game, but they said that we are going in the right direction.” Liverpool are favourites to progress, but Benitez has warned his players to beware the underdog and cited last season’s Champions League exit to Benfica, who were managed by current PSV coach Ronald Koeman. The Spaniard said: “We have a lot of respect for PSV, they are a very good team with good players and manager. “Before the Benfica game last season people were saying it was the easier game, but we went out. We must respect PSV, they are a team with experience.” | 
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