Rafa happy with his squad

Rafa Benitez is happy with his squad and doesn’t intend adding to it in the January transfer window, particularly with some star players arriving back from injury.

Benitez said on Tuesday “We do not need to go into the transfer market, we are certainly not desperate to do so.”

Reports on Tuesday morning claimed Benitez was not interested in signing former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey and with finances believed to be restricted at the club, the manager isn’t willing to pay over the odds for new signings, “If we find we need something we will try, but it is always hard in this window and very expensive.”

Benitez has Fernando Torres and Martin Skrtel back from long term injuries, along with full backs Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa who missed the festive period. “It will be like signing three new players,” said the manager.

It looks like the only activity at Anfield will involve departures, with Jermaine Pennant expected to be sent out on loan if a permanent move isn’t agreed with any of his suitors. But Benitez will not sell either Daniel Agger or Andrea Dossena, both recently linked with moves to Italy, particularly with Emiliano Insua away on international duty for the next month.

One player who is leaving Anfield is 17 year-old German striker Marvin Pourie. He will join German side Schalke for £50,000, having arrived from Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago.