Rafa Benitez's transfer frustrations finally showed signs of easing when Florent Malouda indicated he was ready to join Liverpool.
The £8million-rated Lyon midfielder looks bound for Anfield in the next week after the French club agreed a similar fee with Benfica for former Liverpool target Simao Sabrosa to replace him.
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Anfield interest: Florent Malouda
Malouda, 27, said: "There has been contact with Liverpool although I don't know as yet if they have shown their interest directly to Lyon. "People make their decisions based on the different leagues in different countries, but I would rather base mine on the club involved. And why not Liverpool? They are a great club."
Benitez is also interested in Valencia's left-sided midfielder David Silva. • Former Liverpool defender Tommy Smith, 62, is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack at his Merseyside home while mowing the lawn.