Rafa ends Kaladze chase
Benitez's side are away to Derby County on Boxing Day
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Sunday, 23, Dec 2007 08:21
Rafael Benitez has admitted Liverpool have blown the chance to sign AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze.
Kaladze, 29, was a top target for Benitez for about £6 million as the Spaniard looks to strengthen his defence.
But European champions Milan reportedly do not want to sell Kaladze in the January transfer window, despite the Croatian not being a regular starter at the San Siro.
"I don't think we will be able to sign Kaladze now. That opportunity has passed," Benitez told the News of the World.
Kaladze, who has 50 caps for Croatia, was close to a switch to Chelsea in 2005.
Benitez has only Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and the ageing Sami Hyypia available in central defence.
Czech Republic star Tomas Ujfalusi is reportedly Benitez's new choice when the transfer window opens.
The Fiorentina defender, who shot to fame in Euro 2004, is out of the contract at the end of the season and his agent admits it is "fifty-fifty" whether he will stay in Serie A.
Fiorentina may be willing to sell the 29-year-old in a cut-price deal to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires.
Benitez met with Reds owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett last Sunday to discuss their transfer policy following a row over funds.