Unfortunately it is well documented that our owners' financial input is severely debatable, mostly on a negative note if we are truly honest. It is sad really as Liverpool have never been a club to wash their 'dirty laundry' in public and definitely not allowing transfer targets to become known. Hence players' clubs driving up the value!

I must admit that I am a big admirer of Gareth Barry and I think Robbie Keane is just what Liverpool need at the moment, well in that last third anyway. I am the first to admit that I am not in the 'know' regarding whom we are trying to sign but as I stated above the lack of discretion in certain quarters has led to all & sundry aware of who our major targets appear to be.

After some players leaving for small fees this year and slight backing from the board it appears we may have the cash to bid for Robbie Keane but unless Xabi leaves for 14-16 million then we will not be signing Gareth Barry.

In my opinion Barry has done well for England recently and paired up well with Stevie in the middle of the park but I think we need Rafa to light a firework up Xabi's rear. By doing so it could help him get back to the player he was as on his day he is one of the finest passes of a ball in Europe.

If this miraculously happened then we would not need Gareth Barry and could concentrate all of our finances on strengthening our attacking options. From the above scenario we would then still have the four central midfielders we had last year, (Stevie, Javier, Xabi & Lucas) but also with young Plessis (not sure of spelling) knocking on the door.

Do we really need another midfielder in the middle of the park, albeit one who could improve the side but who could also hinder the progress of the some great talent we have coming through at the club?

For me personally, I would really like to see Robbie Keane at Anfield and if we surprise some people by visiting the money tree at the end of the road and bring in Gareth Barry as well then we cannot ask for any more as long as its a quality addition. Come on the Red men!