Rafa eyes Sevilla winger

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is believed to have identified Sevilla winger Jesus Navas as a summer transfer target, according to Spanish publication AS.

The talented 24-year-old has been a revelation for the Andalusian side this season and is almost certain to be included in the Spain squad for the World Cup finals having already made the 30-man provisional list.

The Reds boss is reportedly keen to secure the signature of Navas to bolster their attacking options on the right wing but attempts to sign the player are likely to be met with fierce resistance for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Liverpool are said to be proposing a fee of around €17 million which falls well short of the €60 million stipulated in Navas' buyout clause.

The absence of UEFA Champions League football on Merseyside, something Sevilla secured at the weekend, is likely to be another major obstacle while Navas is also known to suffer from anxiety problems when spending long periods of time away from home. Although these problems have diminished somewhat in recent months, they may prove a bridge too far in trying to relocate the star to Anfield.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.