Rafa could swoop for Heskey

Rafa Benitez will be allowed to buy two players next month – and he wants Emile Heskey back at Anfield as one of them.

But Benitez will be offered backing by the board, proof he still has a future at the club.

Star striker Fernando Torres last night admitted the situation was bleak, as he said: "I think it is really difficult because I think we don't have money to bring in the best players - and obviously we need players.

"But if we can bring in quality players, it should be really positive for us."

Heskey scored 60 goals in  four years at Liverpool before being sold in the summer of 2004 - a month before Benitez took over.

With the World Cup looming and his starting position at Aston Villa far from guaranteed, the England striker could be attracted back to the club.

Benitez admires Heskey's unselfish approach and  feels he could provide the perfect foil for Torres.

Benitez has also looked at Ruud van Nistelrooy and Italy international Luca Toni as alternatives.

He wants a wide player, and is considering a move for Celtic's Aiden McGeady, available for about £8million. Also on the radar is Holland winger Eljero Elia, who could be prised away from Hamburg for £10m and Turkish flyer Arda Turan.

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