Reds plan raid for 'Argentine Alonso'

Rafa Benitez has set his sights on snaring Valencia's impressive young Argentine midfielder Ever Banega.

The former Boca Juniors man has previously been targeted by fellow Merseysiders Everton but the Liverpool boss believes he can persuade his former club to sell to the Anfield side this summer.

The Mestalla outfit are continuing to experience significant financial worries and will have to sell some of their star performers this summer but could well opt to offload some of their 'lesser' lights rather than having to lose the likes of David Silva or David Villa.

Banega has had a great season at Valencia but has had issues with the La Liga side in the past and was almost forced to join the Toffees when he returned from his season -ong loan at Atletico Madrid last term. The 21-year-old Argentine international has been likened to former Reds favourite Xabi Alonso.

The youngster is an excellent distributor of possession and has a great eye for a raking pass, and he would no doubt be keen on a move to join his fellow countrymen Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua at Anfield.

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