Source: SKY_Sports
Rafa defends Johnson price
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has defended his decision to splash more than £17million on new signing Glen Johnson.
The Portsmouth defender has agreed in principle to join the Reds and is expected to sign his contract in the next few days.
Liverpool have beaten off competition from the 24-year-old's former club Chelsea and Benitez claims he was always confident the player would choose Anfield over a return to Stamford Bridge.
Although admitting that he spent more than he would have liked, the Spaniard insists the transfer represents value for money with a large percentage of the fee being written off due to Portsmouth still owing money from the Peter Crouch deal last summer.
"Sometimes you have to spend a little more," he said. "You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.
"We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules.
"Glen Johnson fits both categories."
Benitez also pointed out that the transfer signalled their intent to buy big despite the club's parent company, Kop Holdings, posting losses of up to £42.6million last year.
The former Valencia boss even states that Reds fans can expect one more big money signing without the need to sell any of their top stars.
"We have a plan," he told the Liverpool Echo. "We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving.
"Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract.
"If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it."
