Rafa plays down Ruud raid

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has played down suggestions that he is contemplating a move for Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Reds boss has been linked with the Dutchman as an attacking alternative to Fernando Torres to ease season-long injury problems.

Van Nistelrooy is out of favour in Spain's capital and has a point to prove to the management team of Holland ahead of this summer's World Cup finals having overcome his own fitness nightmares.

But Benitez claims discussions regarding the former Manchester United star are not taking place amid reports that wages in the region of £120,000-a-week are a stumbling block.

He told Liverpool's official website: "We are not talking about players but we are not trying so it will be very difficult."

Benitez is understood to be in the final stages of meetings regarding Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez, while Greece international full-back Vasil Torosidis has been rumoured to be a target.

Liverpool have struggled horribly this season when a thin squad has been exposed by injuries and their Spanish manager confesses plans to reinforce are taking place.

Benitez added: "We are working hard. We have had some good conversations with some of them but my concern now is to have good conversation with my players."

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