20.08.2004 - Rafa looks closer to home for fifth signing

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After bringing in two Spaniards, and another Spanish pair all but having completed moved to Anfield, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will turn his attentions to Joey Barton for his next signing since taking charge.

Only medicals stand in the way of Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia both becoming Liverpool players, and once those deals have been completed, Joey Barton could be the next addition to Benitez's new look Liverpool squad.

Barton was a target of former manager Gerard Houllier, and after speculation linking the 21-year-old with a move to the Reds cooled following the departure of Houllier, the boyhood Evertonian is again being linked with a transfer to Liverpool.

However, the player may have to wait until January, or even next summer to complete his move, with Liverpool first looking to offload Salif Diao.

If a deal is reached before the transfer window closes, the fee is likely to be around £1million, with Barton's current contract set to expire in less than a year's time.