Liverpool 'will sign players when ready'
Hicks (left) and Gillett hope to bankroll the Reds to the title
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Tuesday, 19, Jun 2007 02:13
As media speculation grows as to when Rafael Benitez will flex his financial muscle in this summer's transfer market, Liverpool co-owner George Gillett claims the club are working to a strict plan of action.
The American, who purchased the club in a joint bid with fellow American businessman and sports owner Tom Hicks, says the management have their targets to meet and will do so in their own time.
"I sense that kind of pressure building from the media," Gillett told the Liverpool website.
"I think the fans know that we have huge regard for Rafa. He has a number of initiatives and concepts and plans under way.
"We're not going to do something just to try to prove something. I can assure you that we are working on different things."
Gillett said that 'phase one' of the summer plan was to sign what he calls the club's "star players" to long-term deals.
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina, midfielder Xabi Alonso and local Anfield heroes Jamie Carragher and Steve Gerrard have all signed new contracts and Gillett now says Liverpool are moving into "phase two, which is bringing players in".
"For Tom and me, this really is about trying to win championships, and that takes commitment, no matter what sport," he continued.
"We are pleased with Rafa and his strategy. It's not dissimilar to what he outlined to us in February. His belief is to look for players with the proper chemistry to enhance the team.
"We support Rafa. He has a programme under way and, as that unfolds, that will be the time for us to be judged, not now."
Gillett hopes that in coming clean on Liverpool's plans for the summer, he will put to bed any unrest among Reds fans eager to join bitter rivals Manchester United in making big-name signings.
Old Trafford has already seen the multi-million pound acquisitions of Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves but Liverpool are yet to unveil any new players, despite being linked to such European stars as Samuel Eto'o and Diego Forlan.