Rafa gets ruthless

The Liverpool manager might have expected his buying plans to come under intense public scrutiny following a bold promise from new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett that he can spend whatever it takes to end the Premiership dominance of Chelsea and Manchester United.

Scroll down to read more:

As he prepared a summer spree that could easily exceed £40million, it became clear the intrigue is not confined to eager Liverpool supporters.

With the likes of Samuel Eto'o, David Villa and Daniel Alves figuring on an all-star list of potential targets, Benitez's movements are being monitored just as keenly within an anxious Anfield dressing room.

John Arne Riise underlined the mood of uncertainty among Benitez's squad by admitting that, while a Champions League semi-final place appears to be a formality after Tuesday's 3-0 win at PSV Eindhoven, long-term futures are nothing like as secure.

"The new owners came to Melwood last Sunday to watch us train and they seem like good people," he said.

"But you are never quite sure what the manager has in mind and now we all have to work hard to impress the owners as well.

"There are exciting times ahead and everyone wants to be part of that. But you just don't know how many players are going to come in during the summer or what might happen after that. The manager keeps us all on our toes and makes sure we keep working hard and all we can do is carry on the same way."

Benitez's ruthless streak was evident again ahead of today's trip to Reading, as he sidestepped questions about Steve Finnan's future and cast further doubt over Momo Sissoko's Anfield prospects.

Despite the consistent Finnan having only 12 months left on his contract, Benitez refused to be drawn on whether he will be offered new terms and even suggested he had let his standards slip.

Sissoko was left with just as much cause for concern after confirmation of a development outlined in Sportsmail this week that he is now considered too indisciplined, in a positional sense, for the defensive midfield position.

It was initially felt Javier Mascherano had been signed to compete with him for the anchor role, but a tendency to follow the ball around the pitch seems to have counted against the 22-year-old midfielder even more than his occasional rashness in challenges.

"It is important to have two options for each position on the pitch, for example Mascherano and Xabi Alonso," he said. "If you want to compete at a high level on four fronts, you have to have that."

As Benitez stepped up his quest for expensive reinforcements, Pepe Reina urged him to be mindful of safeguarding the nucleus of his current line-up. The Liverpool keeper is one of the high-profile names earmarked for new deals, along with Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Alonso and Mascherano.

He said: "For any growing team, it is important not only to improve with new players but make sure the spine of the side remains intact. That spine is here. There will be discussions with the new owners in the next few days, but I have said all along I am really happy at Liverpool. I want to extend my contract here."

Benitez fears his side's stirring Champions League deeds may be proving a distraction and is ready to make more changes at Reading.

"We are almost qualified for the semi-finals and all the questions I am being asked are about that, with just a small mention of Reading at the end," he said. "It is not easy to be focused on the Premiership when you are doing so well in Europe, so it is important we use the right players in each competition.

"We need players who will not only show character but have an understanding of the situation, because trying to finish third matters a lot."