Benitez ends Figo pursuit
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-12 17:10

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has abandoned plans for signing Luis Figo from Real Madrid. Benitez had been keen to bring the former world and European player of the year to Anfield, but Liverpool have been put off by Real's insistence on a transfer fee for the 32-year-old.

The Spaniard told reporters on Monday: "We are looking at other options for the right side and we are trying to see which will work best for us. It will be very difficult to sign Luis."

However, Liverpool are close to completing the signing of Valencia midfielder Mohamed Lamine Sissoko, who was at the club's Melwood training ground for a medical on Monday.

Benitez is also hoping a deal can done for Southampton striker Peter Crouch, who faces playing next season in the second division after breaking into the England squad.

Talks are underway between the two clubs and Benitez is keen to sign the lanky 24-year-old before Liverpool leave for a pre-season training camp in Switzerland on Thursday.

"He's a player I like and I would like the talks to finish as soon as possible because I would like to see him working with us," Benitez said.

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