VALENCIA have confirmed they want to take Milan Baros to the Mestalla Stadium this summer.
The Liverpool striker (right) is a leading target for Rafael Benitez's former club after a disappointing season in which they dispensed with his replacement Claudio Ranieri.
Baros has been linked with Valencia for several weeks, prompting his agent Pavel Paska to declare on Tuesday: "There are many teams that have asked for Baros, but I can assure you 100% that of Valencia I know nothing."
But last night both Valencia's sporting director and current coach revealed the Czech Republic star is the man they want to help revitalise their fortunes next season.
"We are looking at possible signings and we are interested in Baros," said director Eduardo Macia.
And Ranieri's temporary replacement, Antonio Lopez, added: "Baros would bring force to our attack and make a great contribution to Valencia."
Baros took his international record to an impressive 18 goals in 27 games in Wednesday's World Cup qualifying win over Andorra. But his Anfield future remains uncertain as Benitez prepares to bring in his own strikeforce this summer.
Liverpool resisted selling the 23-year-old following his Euro 2004 heroics but with Benitez a known admirer of Valencia's Pablo Aimar, Vicente and Mista - who has signed a contract extension with the Spanish champions - a swap deal involving Baros could be on the agenda at the end of the season.
Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, is heading a £33million trio of Anfield talent hoping to return to action for the Premiership and Champions League finale.
The Spanish international is due to return to full training on Monday, three months after breaking his ankle against Chelsea, and could make his comeback against Juventus in Turin on April 13.
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