Crouch Out? Alves In?

Benitez is believed to be preparing a list of January transfer targets, with reports linking him with Heerenveen's Brazilian front man Afonso Alves. Alves is one of several names under consideration by the Liverpool manager, who can expect further backing from the club's co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

And Benitez's interest would suggest Peter Crouch is heading for an Anfield exit in the new year. Alves is one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe and scored an incredible seven times for Dutch club Heerenveen on Sunday in their 9-0 victory over Eredivisie rivals Heracles Almelo. The 26-year-old forward cost Heerenveen a club record £3million when arriving from Swedish side Malmo ahead of last season, and went on to score 34 goals in 31 league games before being named Holland's player of the year. Alves, who has seven caps for Brazil and was a summer target for Middlesbrough would cost around £8million.