Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to battle Juventus for the signature of Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi according to reports in Corriere dello Sport. Claudio Ranieri has made no secret of his intentions to land the Naples forward, but reports this morning suggest that Benitez is interested in signing the Argentinean international as a replacement for Robbie Keane, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur in January.
Lavezzi, nicknamed 'El Pocho,' and once labelled the 'next Maradona,' could cost up to £20 million. Yesterday the player's agent reiterated his client's intentions to play in the Champions League as soon as possible, while also stating that Lavezzi was happy at Napoli.
The Italian club face a busy Summer with midfield playmaker Marek Hamsik rumoured to be a target for Manchester City and Chelsea.