Rush hoping for Maxi swoop

RAFA BENITEZ is poised to make his first move in the transfer window by bringing Maxi Rodriguez to Anfield from Atletico Madrid, writes Kop hero Ian Rush.

If the deal comes off, I'm convinced it will be a fantastic piece of business as I have watched Rodriguez plenty of times and there is no disputing he has got star quality.

He is, quite simply, the kind of player we are screaming out for; he's got pace, is direct, has flair and can deliver terrific crosses from the flanks.

There is no doubt the Argentina international would excite fans but, just as importantly, he would give the players already at Anfield a kick up the backside.

Competition for places is vital at any club and that's why, even though Arsenal are flying high, Arsene Wenger wants to make his presence felt in the market this month.

When I was at Liverpool, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan or Kenny Dalglish would make a couple of signings in the summer, even if we had just won the title; that was always the way.

Should Rodriguez be drafted in before the game with Tottenham on Sunday, it would give everyone a lift and leave Rafa then able to focus on bringing in a striker.

I see there has been talk again over the weekend of Emile Heskey returning to the club but would that necessarily be good for the long term?

Emile is a great player but at Liverpool there is a pressure to play well five times in every six appearances.

He would be a good quick buy, but I'd say Rafa is looking long term.

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