Chelsea target Benayoun

Chelsea are hoping to sign Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun for £6 million.

The 30-year-old Israeli has been earmarked as Joe Cole's replacement after Chelsea confirmed last week that the England international was going to be released at the end of this month after failing to agree a new contract.

Although Chelsea, who have also released Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti, are looking to acquire younger players this summer, and blood five from their youth set-up next season, the deal to sign Benayoun is regarded as a good one.

Benayoun is set to agree terms on a four-year contract and although Liverpool are still hoping to hold out for more than the £6 million Chelsea are offering, it is believed a deal is close to being agreed.

He joined Liverpool for £5 million in 2007, from West Ham United, and has been a moderate success although, under Rafael Benítez, opportunities were often limited. One complication is that Liverpool are being asked to conduct negotiations despite not yet having a replacement for Benítez.

Chelsea are set to make an exception to their policy of targeting players in their early twenties because Benayoun is a proven Premier League performer and his wage demands are far lower than those of Cole.

The signing of Benayoun will be the first made by manager Carlo Ancelotti since he took over last summer at Stamford Bridge and is set to be followed by at least two other experienced players while Chelsea will also continue to trim their squad with one or two other high-profile departures.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.