Liverpool can still attract players - Benitez

Rafael Benitez is confident Liverpool will still be able to attract high-class signings this summer despite the absence of Champions…

Rafael Benitez is confident Liverpool will still be able to attract high-class signings this summer despite the absence of Champions League football next season.

However, whether the Spaniard is there is coach them remains to be seen as his long-term future at Anfield remains unresolved.

Although interest from Juventus has died off after their gaze turned to Luigi del Neri, who resigned as Sampdoria coach yesterday, there are still options to leave Anfield.

Reports have suggested Inter Milan, who appear likely to lose Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid this summer, have approached Benitez about the possibility of taking over at the San Siro.

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And it seems the Spaniard could have the pick of the two Milan clubs as the suggestion is AC Milan, who dispensed with Leonardo after a disappointing season, have already twice been in touch with Benitez's agent.

Both jobs at the San Siro are more enticing than the one at Juventus but still Benitez's desire is to remain at Liverpool, providing he receives assurances about the club's financial position and his ability to rebuild this summer.

With owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett still waiting for the right offer to be made after they put the club up for sale last month Benitez will more than likely be restricted in his dealings.

But he is confident Liverpool can still bring in the right calibre of player even though they are playing in the Europa League next season.

"Liverpool is a massive club and can attract top-class players because of their name and their history and the quality we have in the squad," said the Reds boss.

"Always we have targets in mind. We have been working and preparing the targets and every year is the same."