Rafael Benitez has promised there will be at least one new big-name striker at Liverpool before the start of the season and admits Robbie Keane remains an option for the Anfield club.

Benitez, who has allowed striker Peter Crouch to join Portsmouth, ruled out making a move for Spain striker David Villa but confirmed that a move for the Republic of Ireland captain was a possibility.

"I said the other day that Villa is one of the names we had on our list, but I can say at this moment that it is not an option for us," Benitez told Liverpool's website ( www.liverpoolfc.tv).

"Keane is one of the other names and OK we are still working with other names. We were in contact and we will see now," he said.

The Liverpool boss also admitted his exasperation at the drawn-out campaign to
prise Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, which shows no sign of ending.

There have been rumours for weeks that Benitez is working with very little money, although sources insist that he can complete the deal for Barry without selling Xabi Alonso.

That deal - with Juventus - has also gone cold and Benitez revealed: "The situation with Alonso has not changed. Juventus made an offer that was not good enough and now we are just waiting. I do not know, really, whether that will go through.

"Xabi wants to stay because he is happy here but he also knows that Juventus is a top side. I have talked to him, he knows my ideas and he knows why. So we will try to find a solution for him, for us, and the best for the club.

"We are still waiting on Gareth Barry. I prefer now not to say anything and to wait."