Source: Daily_Mail
Johnson the target: Benitez in £15m bid to capture Portsmouth and England defender
Liverpool have launched a fresh £15million bid to land Portsmouth right back Glen Johnson.
Manager Rafa Benitez identified the England defender as a target this season but did not have anywhere near the budget to land the player.
However, Portsmouth still owe around £7m from the £12m transfer of striker Peter Crouch last summer, and Benitez hopes to use that to good effect in his bargaining for Johnson.
The 24-year-old former Chelsea defender signed an improved four-year contract in January but would jump at the chance of a move to Anfield as Benitez looks to add key signings in preparation for a renewed assault on the Barclays Premier League title.
The Spaniard has been encouraged by his side's progress this season and knows his recruitment this summer is pivotal to Liverpool finally toppling fierce rivals Manchester United.
Pompey's financial problems - with owner Sacha Gaydamak still looking for a buyer - mean they will want to drive the price as high as possible, and Liverpool are wary of being dragged into an auction with other clubs.
