Gerrard delight as Liverpool spend big

The Liverpool skipper believes his side are ready to mount a challenge to Chelsea and Manchester United in the wake of Fernando Torres' record £20m arrival from Atletico Madrid and a clear signal that Babel and Benayoun are Anfield-bound.

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Sportsmail understands Liverpool and Ajax expect to agree a £12m fee for frontrunner Babel today while West Ham have approved a £5m deal for midfielder Benayoun.

Manager Rafa Benitez intends utilising the versatile Babel on the left flank and Benayoun on the right. With Torres thriving on the service in the middle, Gerrard can see his dream of lifting the Premiership title for his home club becoming a reality.

He said: "I'll bet players and fans from other clubs have been looking at us and thinking 'Aye, aye, Liverpool are making a move for some of the big boys now'.

"Torres has all the attributes to become firmly established as world class and some of the other players we're being linked with excite me, too. It's great to see us looking at young, hungry players with their best years ahead of them.

"In all my time in the first team I can't remember us making such a major statement of intent in the transfer market. In recent years it's only been Manchester United and Chelsea buying players around the £20m mark so it's great to see us able to compete for players of that value.

"The board have always backed the manager and we've invested heavily over the years. Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier spent a lot but we've all been looking to that extra step to close the gap and attract the kind of players United and Chelsea would be able to afford."

Despite claims of an increased bid of £13.5m for Babel, it is understood Liverpool and Ajax will settle on £12m and that talks over personal terms will then begin.

Anfield chiefs are confident of sealing a deal, especially as Babel has indicated an eagerness to join Liverpool.

West Ham were holding out for £6m f o r Benayoun but have relented and accepted £5m.

Manchester United left-back Gabriel Heinze is still in Benitez's sights and Gerrard could hardly contain his optimism for the new season, particularly as he reflected on the goal threat which 23-year-old Torres will provide.

He said: "I've never played against him but I've watched him a lot. I really like him and I'm sure he will prove a great signing for us. He's a fast, strong centre forward who likes the ball being played into his feet. They are the kind of strikers I love playing with. I've no doubt we're going to get our money's worth out of him. He's at the right club and will be working with the right people to become truly world class."