Liverpool board ready to back Rafa's spending spree

The American owners of Liverpool have moved to head off unrest at Anfield by vowing to back manager Rafael Benitez in the transfer market.

Benitez has become disgruntled over the failure to bring in new players and there has even been speculation he'll consider his future.

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But co-owner George Sillett said: "I sense a pressure building to make signings. The fans know that we have huge regard for Rafa."

Benitez has lost out on several big signings because the board acted slowly or refused to meet asking prices.

But Gillett insisted money would be made available and there is no rift, adding: " we are pleased with Rafa and his strategy. The first part of the plan was to sign a number of our existing star players on long-term contracts.

"That has been done. Now we're moving onto phase two which is bringing players in."