RAFAEL BENITEZ will step up his attempts to bring Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt to Anfield as he looks to relieve a frustrating summer in the transfer market so far.
The Liverpool manager is finding it difficult to make any headway as he plans an overhaul of his side in time for the new season, with his transfer kitty of around £20million allowing little room for manouervre.
He has, however, made the 24-year-old Kuyt his number one target - but only if he can force Feyenoord down from their current £10m valuation to around £7-8m.
Kuyt, who scored 29 goals last season in the Dutch league, has already voiced his desire to come to Merseyside but unless Liverpool can lower his club's asking price, Benitez will have to look elsewhere.
But he will mount one last effort to persuade Feyenoord to release their star striker and claim a player he has wanted for some time.
The Spaniard has already had to cool his interest in Peter Crouch after Southampton demanded £7m for the tall frontman's services.
And reports in Spain yesterday suggested Real Madrid were monitoring Benitez's difficulties closely - and were prepared to test his willingness to keep hold of Steven Gerrard.
Real are known to have placed the Liverpool captain at the top of their shopping list and, one report claimed, would test the Anfield club's resolve in their upcoming contract negotiations with Gerrard - and then offer highly--rated Juanfran as part of any deal.
Gerrard this week insisted "the ball is in Liverpool's court" regarding his new deal, which he confirmed he intends to sign before the start of next season.
Ideally, Benitez wants Gerrard to stay, but he is also understood to be interested in several Real players - including winger Juanfran - and will face a difficult decision were Real to submit a £30m-plus bid for his skipper.
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