Liverpool boss Rafa heads race for reinforcements as window opens

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Experts predict that spending will top the record £70million January outlay by Premiership clubs in 2006 - and Benitez cannot afford to be left standing with Manchester United planning a £10m raid for FC Porto's right back Jose Bosingwa.

Yesterday's goalless draw at Manchester City left Liverpool trailing leaders Arsenal by 10 points and Benitez will risk his uneasy relationship with the club's American owners by asking them to bankroll his attempts to revive their faltering title challenge.

Jose Bosingwa (right) is attracting the attention of Manchester United

Keen to strengthen: Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez

But he will not be the only one chasing new blood. United are being linked with two full backs while neighbours City will also spend heavily.

United's defensive targets are Bosingwa and Lokomotiv Moscow left back Branislav Ivanovic, who is also wanted by Chelsea.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are facing a battle to hang on to Dimitar Berbatov, even though chairman Daniel Levy insisted yesterday that they would fight to hang on to their top players.

The main target is Bulgaria striker Berbatov, who scored four goals in Saturday's 6-4 win over Reading.

Levy said: "Once again for the record, we are not a selling club. We're building for the future."

But Berbatov's agent Emile Dantchev confirmed interest from one Premier League club - thought to be Manchester United - and two others abroad, warning: "Fans must understand that Dimitar is 27 next month and time is running out for him to play for a club that can match his ambition. I would like to stress this is not about money.

"This is about sporting ambition. Dimitar is perfectly happy with Juande Ramos and the way he is working. But after Tottenham's bad start, it is unlikely they'll have a chance to do something big this season.

"It is a long-term plan for them. Dimitar wants to fulfil his potential and win trophies now. He would definitely consider a move outside of England. That is not the issue. What matters is it is a club that matches his ambition and level and there are only five or six around Europe.

"Two clubs outside of England and one in the Premier League are interested in him."

At Anfield, while Benitez may have fallen out with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over transfer strategy, there was no doubting the Spaniard's intent as he looked forward to the window opening.

"We are working very hard on some things and we are doing our best," said the Spaniard after the 0-0 draw at Eastlands. "We are speaking to people and I am trying to make things better for now and also for the future. We are confident that we can sign the right players at the right price."

United have stepped up their search for Gary Neville's long-term replacement by targeting Bosingwa, Portugal's first-choice right back.

Ivanovic is favourite to fill the other problem position at left back, while United may also move for Porto centre back Bruno Alves.