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Rafa defends Carson stance

23 May 2008 - 07:41:10

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has defended his decision to slap a £10million price tag on goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The England international has spent the season on loan at Aston Villa, but fears the Reds' valuation of him could cost him a potential permanent move to either Villa Park or another Premier League side.

The 22-year-old former Leeds United youngster accused the Anfield club of asking for "stupid money".

However, Benitez claims the potential £10million fee was agreed with Villa when Carson initially joined on loan last summer.

The Spaniard has already seen a player-plus-cash offer for Villa captain Gareth Barry rejected by the Midlands club this month.

"It is a matter between the clubs," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"We agreed the fee with Aston Villa last year. The fee has been there for one season so to talk about the fee now is not correct.

"We agreed with Martin O'Neill and that was the situation."