World News
Benitez to Make Swift Signings
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez wants to move swiftly in the transfer market this summer to start shaping a squad capable of sustaining a Barclays Premier League title challenge.
Benitez's side had little to play for ahead of Sunday's 2-0 win at Tottenham, with fourth place already assured and no cup final to look forward to for the first time in three campaigns.Rather than waiting until next season approaches, the Spaniard has drawn up his targets and will act quickly.
"We are working hard to improve the squad," he said. "Throughout the whole season, we are watching players and trying to sign the players we need.
"We want to sign the best players as soon as possible and I think we will get investment from the owners, so we can go forward."
Andriy Voronin scored the opener at White Hart Lane, with Fernando Torres grabbing the second to set a record for league goals by a foreigner in an opening season.
Spurs head coach Juande Ramos said: "I think you have to give all the credit to Torres. He has had a great season and although he had a bit of space for the goal, he has played well."
Despite Torres' record - and Jose Reina keeping another clean sheet - Benitez believes the bottom line is Liverpool's failure to win a trophy this season.
"We did not win silverware but you talk about 119 goals, the goalkeeper has won the Golden Gloves Award again for the third time in a row," he said.
"And with Torres, he was terrific at scoring and 76 points is a good total for us. There are a lot of positive things from this season, but the most important thing is we did not win a trophy."
Spurs went on a lap of honour after the defeat to parade the Carling Cup, with focus inevitably now on whether they can keep striker Dimitar Berbatov at the club.
Ramos has not been impressed with the inconsistency since his side's victory at Wembley and is also set to bring in his own players.
He said: "I think we maybe did suffer after the Carling Cup success, maybe we achieved our target too soon."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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