Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun Close To Chelsea Switch

Chelsea have formally approached Liverpool with a bid to sign talented Israel's international Yossi Benayoun.

The initial bid, thought to be in the region of 4 million pounds, was rejected by the Anfield club. But an improved offer of close to Liverpool's valuation of about 6 million pounds will be enough to secure his signature.

Benayoun joined Liverpool three years ago, in a deal worth 5 million pounds, and has been an important part of the team.

But over the last season he has been left frustrated because he has failed to establish himself as a first team regular.

Acoording to Goal.com, a source closed to Benayoun said.

"Yossi loves Liverpool and wants to stay but he feels that Rafa does not really trust him.

"Whenever Rafa looks to make a substitution or rotate the team, Yossi always seems to be the fall guy, even when he is playing really well. He believes he would be better off playing under a manager who really believes in him.

"None of the [Liverpool] players really know if Rafa will be manager next season but Yossi says that if Rafa stays, then he will go. He feels he would get more chances at another team.”

And in the past week Yossi himself said that he wants to join Chelsea.

"Ancelotti wants me for next season and now everything depends on Liverpool," he said.

"Chelsea will have to pay some 6 million pounds, but I believe that, in the end, I'll be moving there."

The arrival of Benayoun to Chelsea will pave the way for Joe Cole's exit. The midfielder has been linked to clubs such as Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool.

Liverpool may use the funds raised by the departure of Benayoun to fund a deal for Atletico's Simao Sabrosa. Another potential target could be versatile Turkish winger Arda Turan, who is also keen to play in the Premier League and favors a move to Liverpool.