Liverpool exit will heighten Benitez speculation

LIVERPOOL, England, Mar 9 (Reuters) Liverpool's shock defeat by Benfica has done more than just knock them out of the Champions League.

The 2-0 loss at Anfield yesterday that put the holders out 3-0 on aggregate will also raise fears that manager Rafael Benitez could be tempted to leave the club.

Benitez has grown frustrated that he cannot match the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona in the transfer market.

Benfica's crucial opening goal, furthermore, came from Simao Sabrosa, a player Benitez tried to sign but could not afford.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan are both widely reported to be keen on capturing Benitez, who confirmed his managerial credentials by winning the Champions League last season with a Liverpool side strong on desire if not world class talent.

Benitez is forcing the issue by insisting Liverpool need to spend more money to keep pace with Europe's leading clubs.

''We need to be stronger and think about the future. It will be important to buy new players,'' the Spaniard told reporters after yesterday's defeat.

''We know we have to look for players. We have started now and the scouts are looking.'' GOAL-SHY STRIKERS Benitez's initial targets are a strong commanding defender and a pacy right winger.

Liverpool's lack of cover in defence was exposed by Sami Hyypia's absence. Stand-in Djimi Traore was jittery and Jamie Carragher did not look as assured without the huge Finn alongside him.

Dane Daniel Agger was signed from Brondby in the January transfer window but is viewed as a player for the future.

Benitez, who could not afford to bring Michael Owen back to Anfield last August, must also feel a free-scoring striker is now his top priority after watching his forwards continuously waste excellent chances in recent games.

They failed to find the net in their last four Champions League matches.

Between them Liverpool's forwards, including Fernando Morientes and Djibril Cisse, have scored 23 times in 49 games this season, while midfielder Steven Gerrard has managed 17 on his own.

Benitez refuses to criticise his front players despite their obvious failings, saying: ''It is not easy for the strikers. We are creating chances. The strikers need to take them. Maybe we need to create more chances.'' Liverpool now only have the FA Cup to play for with Chelsea 17 points ahead of them at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool are third, two points behind Manchester United.

However, anything less than Champions League qualification for next season could leave Liverpool facing a fight to stop Benitez improving his impressive reputation elsewhere.

Reuters AY BS1653