Benitez has his sights set firmly on Eto'o

LONDON - LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez is plotting a move for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

The Spaniard tried to sign the Cameroon striker two years ago, when he left Real Mallorca, but could not match Barca's spending power.

However, the arrival of American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks at Anfield has given Benitez money to spend.

It has also coincided with reports that Eto'o will leave the Nou Camp in the summer.

The 25-year-old has fallen out with Barca coach Frank Rijkaard and teammate Ronaldinho in recent weeks.

That has led to him being linked with a move to both Chelsea and Arsenal, but it appears Benitez's contacts in Spain have sprung Liverpool to the front of the queue, reported The Sun.

Eto'o has been rated at between £20 million (S$60 million) and £50 million by the media.

If he does move to Anfield, he will join Andriy Voronin there, with the Ukraine striker moving to Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer.

While Robbie Fowler is considering joining David Beckham in America after having talks with the New England Revolution, Benitez may be looking to clear out some other forwards, like Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy.

But one who will not be leaving is Dirk Kuyt.

And the Dutchman has assured Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho that Liverpool will not have the Champions League on their minds when they face Manchester United on Saturday.

With Liverpool's Anfield clash with the League leaders kicking off at lunch time, Chelsea could be 12 points behind by the time they face Portsmouth later in the day.

Mourinho has implied that Liverpool, who are out of the Premiership title race, will have their focus on their Champions League tie against Barcelona on Tuesday.

But Kuyt insisted: 'Facing United is one of the most important games you can play in a season.

'It would be a great result if we could do it. You just need the same approach to the game as we have had in the last week.'

Liverpool won at the Nou Camp and then outclassed Sheffield United 4-0 despite Benitez making seven changes to the side.

Mourinho will watch the game at Anfield with interest.

'We have to keep winning and see whether the next step at Anfield is to close the gap, or for it to widen,' he said.

'If the next step sees the gap open, it gets very difficult for us. But, if the next step is for it to close, everything is open for us.'

Kuyt is convinced that Liverpool have a good chance against United.

He added: 'We have beaten Barcelona, we have beaten Chelsea at Anfield, so now we can have the confidence to progress and beat United.'