Liverpool fans might remember Rafael Benitez’s reign at Anfield for a comeback in the Champions League final but it was also when the Spanish invaded. Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Torres have all moved on from Liverpool but the legacy remains with youngster Suso.
Now interim manager at Chelsea, Benitez is looking to his homeland for signings this January. The squad at Stamford Bridge already contains Spaniards Oriol Romeu, Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and Cesar Azpilicueta, Benitez wants to add Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo to the Spanish contingent in west London.
Although Benitez is only in charge at Chelsea temporarily he has been handed a transfer fund by Roman Abramovich for the January transfer window and Negredo is high on Benitez’s wish list. Chelsea are perilously short of striking options, Daniel Sturridge’s impending £12 million move to Liverpool leaves Fernando Torres as the only senior centre forward in the Chelsea squad.
Negredo is valued at £15 million, meaning Abramovich will only need to delve into his pockets for £3 million to add to the fee received for Sturridge to land the Spanish striker.
Former Real Madrid man Negredo will suit the relatively direct style of Benitez with good aerial ability and an eye for goal, 8 goals in 14 league games for Sevilla so far this season shows some good form so far.
The hope within Stamford Bridge is Negredo will prove the perfect striking partner and competition for international teammate Torres.
Sam Jewell
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