RAFAEL BENITEZ is preparing to further cut Liverpool's ties with their French connection as he seeks to finance a move for Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt.
The Anfield manager is refusing to give up in his quest to sign the Holland international, with negotiations having recommenced with Feyenoord officials.
Liverpool are unlikely to meet the Dutch club's £10million valuation of Kuyt - who is desperate to move to England - but are currently shipping out a number of fringe players in order to raise funds for a sizeable offer.
In doing so, Benitez is effectively shedding the raft of French-based players that arrived at Anfield under former manager Gerard Houllier.
Bruno Cheyrou, Carl Medjani and Djibril Cisse have already departed this summer, while defender Djimi Traore yesterday underwent a medical at Charlton Athletic after Liverpool agreed a fee of £2m with the Londoners.
Mali international Traore, a European Cup winner last year, moved to Anfield from French side Laval for £750,000 in February 1999 but was used sparingly last season.
Bolton Wanderers have also been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, but Charlton are confident of sealing a transfer within the next 24 hours.
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