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Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez Plays Down Dispute Over Sunderland Striker Kenwyne Jones
Rafa restrained in Jones row...
26-Jan-2010 2:40:00 AM
By Steve Alexander
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has distanced himself from the furore surrounding the club's attempts to sign Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones.
Black Cats boss Steve Bruce was angered by Liverpool's approach, labelling the club "disrespectful" in their efforts to sign the Trinidad and Tobago international, but Benitez claims he had no part in the negotiations.
"I was not involved in this. Christian Purslow [managing director] was talking with Niall Quinn. They are managing the situation," Benitez told BBC Sport.
Reports suggested that the Liverpool boss was keen to recruit Jones on loan until the end of the season, in an attempt to bolster the clubs goalscoring options.
The Anfield club's attacking options have been severely hampered this season, after injuries to Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun.
Bruce though claimed Liverpool had "no chance" of signing Jones, describing the stories as "a load of rubbish," but Benitez was adamant there had been contact between the two clubs.
"I prefer not to talk too much because we will create a debate so Christian and Niall will continue to talk if they need to," said the Liverpool boss.
"They were in contact but I don't know what the situation is now."
Black Cats boss Steve Bruce was angered by Liverpool's approach, labelling the club "disrespectful" in their efforts to sign the Trinidad and Tobago international, but Benitez claims he had no part in the negotiations.
"I was not involved in this. Christian Purslow [managing director] was talking with Niall Quinn. They are managing the situation," Benitez told BBC Sport.
Reports suggested that the Liverpool boss was keen to recruit Jones on loan until the end of the season, in an attempt to bolster the clubs goalscoring options.
The Anfield club's attacking options have been severely hampered this season, after injuries to Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun.
Bruce though claimed Liverpool had "no chance" of signing Jones, describing the stories as "a load of rubbish," but Benitez was adamant there had been contact between the two clubs.
"I prefer not to talk too much because we will create a debate so Christian and Niall will continue to talk if they need to," said the Liverpool boss.
"They were in contact but I don't know what the situation is now."
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