Liverpool Winger Yossi Benayoun Chased By Roma

Roma have turned their attention towards Liverpool’s winger Yossi Benayoun as they look to continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new season. Roma manager Luciano Spalletti has admitted he is very interested in signing the Israeli.

If Benayoun joins Roma he will be the second Liverpool player to do so this summer, following in the footsteps of John Arne Riise. Liverpool are still intent on bringing Gareth Barry to Anfield and if a deal with Aston Villa is struck before the transfer market closes, Benayoun may see even less playing time for Liverpool next season.

Benayoun’s chances of playing regularly for Roma look good, especially after the Serie A runners-up allowed Amantino Mancini and Ludovic Giuly to leave the club. Roma only finished three points behind champions Inter Milan last season, and will be anxious to reinforce their squad in order to win the title.

Spalletti feels Benayoun would be a great addition to his squad and will be eager to complete a deal before the new season kicks off.

"There will be two new signings," Spalletti said. “The names? They're the names you've heard. Menez and Benayoun are both top class players.”

Benayoun only joined Liverpool in May of last year and still has four years remaining in his contract, but Rafa Benitez could be tempted to cash in on the twenty-eight-year old in order to earn some funds for his own transfer plans. The transfer of Gareth Barry to Liverpool may play a part in where Benayoun will be playing next season.

If Liverpool can complete a deal for Barry, they may be willing to allow Benayoun to walk out the Anfield exit door. But if Liverpool fail to sign Barry, Benitez could be reluctant to let the Israeli winger leave.

If Benayoun does end up joining Roma, his most memorable contribution in a Liverpool jersey will probably be his hat-trick during Liverpool’s 8-0 win over Besiktas in the group stages of the Champions League.