26.07.2004 - Le Tallec in line for surprise loan move

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Anthony Le Tallec could be playing his football away from Anfield next season, after Rafael Benitez revealed that the 20 year old is available for loan.

The French under-21 star had an impressive start to his Liverpool career last season and was hoping to play an even bigger part this time around.

But Le Tallec is unlikely to be used in the first team as often as he hopes and despite his two goal showing in Liverpool's first pre-season match at Wrexham last week, Le Tallec may spend next season back in Le Championnat.

"I talked with him. I wanted him to come here but he said that if there is not going to be many opportunities it might be better if he stayed behind and found a club to join on loan," Benitez said.

The Liverpool boss did insist however that he was happy with Le Tallec so far, and that should Le Tallec not find a club to take him on loan, then he would have no problems with the player staying on Merseyside.

"If we return home and he still hasn't found a club then I'll be happy for him to stay because I am happy with him. He's a good player and played very well against Wrexham."

Le Tallec played 23 times for the first team last season, scoring once, and made a further nine reserve team appearances in which he netted on two occasions.