Gareth Barry, Liverpool FC and Rafa Benitez's transfer priorities

Albert Riera? Gareth Barry? Stewart Downing? You guessed it. Liverpool transfer targets.

If you are a Liverpool fan you'll be feeling frustrated, confused and maybe, just maybe optimistic. It's been a bit of a mixed bag for us this summer and it's difficult to stand back and take a real look at what's happening.

Forget the tabloid talk of Hicks, Gillett, Parry and Benitez rifts. What will be will be. While it is frustrating for us all to hear of what's happening at our beloved club, we don't make things better by adding fuel to the fire.

The papers will report on this story every time there's a development and to be fair, they're just doing their job. It's the so called fans jumping on the bandwagon that really frustrates me.

The confusion this summer has arose due to Benitez's reluctance to target a natural wide left player. It's no secret that Gareth Barry has been his number one target all summer. The fact that we have four or five player already fighting for the position Barry plays leaves me bewildered.

Three of these players are world class. The only logical explanation I can think of is that Rafa intends to play three central midfielders with two wingers/strikers and Torres. If this is the case than I'm certain Barry would be the man to slot in alongside Gerrard and Mascherano.

Whatever his plans are, Barry isn't the traditional wide player the fans are crying out for, though would be an exceptional addition to an already fantastic midfield. Rumour has it Gareth Barry will sign for Liverpool on Sept 1st for a fee of £15m. Watch this space.

On the plus side, Robbie Keane has given us a new dimension. The fickle amongst the fans have sharpened the knives already. For me, only two games into the season I can see signs that the Torres-Keane partnership is going to be special.

Keane has demonstrated himself time and time again to be a great striker and I see no reason why that should change in the famous red at Anfield.

So, before I sign off my first blog, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the close season. On player power or lack there of. On Benitez's transfer targets, in particular Barry, and the acquisition of Robbie Keane.

What does the season hold in store for us this year? Are we any closer to title number 19?