Source: Daily_Mail
Benitez blasts Lavezzi rumours as Reds boss denies deal for Napoli striker
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has distanced himself from a £12m move for Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Reports in Italy claim talks have taken place between Napoli and intermediaries acting on Liverpool's behalf and that Manchester City have been made aware of the financial package needed to lure the 24-year-old away.
But Benitez said: 'We never contacted Lavezzi and we have no intention of doing so. We want to put a stop to these rumours.'
Benitez is keen to step up his transfer activity, after returning from holiday, but knows he will need his entire budget of £15million, at least, to pip Chelsea in the race for Portsmouth's England right-back Glen Johnson.
