Andrea Dossena Asks Rafael Benitez for a Transfer Away from Liverpool

Sky Sports News reports that Andrea Dossena has today put in a transfer request to Rafael Benitez to leave the club.

The Italian international has made just 26 starts in all competitions for Liverpool and, after a disappointing spell at the start of the season, appears to have fallen behind both Fabio Aurelio and Emilliano Insua in the left-back position.

Considered by many as a good player going forward with a decent cross, Dossena always appeared to struggle in his defensive duties, and was at fault for crucial goals during Liverpool's best ever Premier League season.

The 27 year-old will always be remembered for his strikes against Manchester United and Real Madrid—both coming as a left-winger during late substitute appearances—but unfortunately in the same breath supporters will talk about his worrying lack of composure at the back.

If Dossena is granted permission to leave Anfield, Rafa Benitez will look to recoup as much of the £7 million paid out last summer as he can, with a return to an Italian club looking the most likely of destinations.

The Liverpool manager is well-known for quickly moving on players that have not settled as-well as originally hoped, and after a very disappointing debut season it looks like Andrea Dossena may be the first out of the Anfield exit door this summer.

With Liverpool under serious financial restraints due to large interest repayments, all income generated by transfers will be highly sought after.

The club will be looking to strengthen the squad this summer on the back of a very close-run title campaign, and it looks set that Benitez will once again need to sell players in order to purchase new signings.