RAFA BENITEZ today promised Liverpool will continue to pursue a “Best of British” transfer policy whenever possible this summer as they begin the task of rebuilding.
The Reds swooped to sign hot prospect Jonjo Shelvey – who has played for England at a number of youth levels – last month from Charlton Athletic in a £1.7m deal.
They are also close to wrapping up an move for Glasgow Rangers defender Danny Wilson, a move that looks all the more shrewd after he was named Scotland’s Young Player of the Year.
In the past, Benitez has been criticised for favouring the foreign transfer market and not giving home-grown players the opportunity to show they are good enough to play for Liverpool.
Benitez, however, has defended his policy and has made it clear he would be happy to chase deals for English players – as long as the right option comes along.
“It is something that we have always tried to do,” he said. “We tried to sign Gareth Barry, we did the same with (Glen) Johnson. That was always the idea.
“We have tried to bring in British players with the right mentality and the passion for the club.
“We want them to know what it means to play for Liverpool Football Club.
“Shelvey is an addition like that. We are trying to do what is best for the club. We have a long-term plan in place and we try to follow that.”
Benitez, meanwhile, has not lost faith in Liverpool’s squad and is confident they will show their true colours next season.
“This team has good players and we have a good team,” adds Benitez. “We just had too many problems, too many injuries. We also had some difficulty dealing with expectation that everyone was thinking about us at the beginning of the season.”
Steven Gerrard, meanwhile, has switched in to World Cup mode and he is dreaming there will be a glorious conclusion to England’s adventure in South Africa.
Gerrard, Johnson and Jamie Carragher joined up with the majority of Fabio Capello’s initial 30-man squad for altitude training in Austria yesterday and he has stressed togetherness is key if England are to flourish.
“For us to be successful in the summer, everyone needs to stick together – the players, the management and the supporters,” said Gerrard.
