Rafa the ruthless - Even Athens glory won't stop Liverpool clear-out as Benitez targets stars

The Liverpool manager claimed his side were better equipped to see off AC Milan than when they upset the odds against Carlo Ancelotti's Italian high-flyers in Istanbul two years ago.

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Benitez: Ready to wield the axe

But there was a worrying sting in the tail for some of those due to step out, here in Athens on Wednesday, as he added that the outcome would make no difference to his summer spending plans.

American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have promised transfer backing in excess of £40million, and Benitez confirmed he intends making full use of it as he bids to end Anfield's agonising wait to be crowned English champions again.

Liverpool have not won the League since the old Division One days in 1990, and Benitez readily conceded more transfer activity was needed, regardless of whether Milan are beaten once more, if their one failing is to be rectified next season.

One of players destined to be in the spotlight in Athens is Harry Kewell - even though his future at the club is under threat after two seasons wrecked by injury.

Despite making only two substitute appearances for Liverpool this season because of groin and foot surgery he is on standby to take over from Bolo Zenden if the Dutchman fails to recover from an ankle injury.

Two years ago Kewell limped off early in the first half when Liverpool met AC MIlan on that memorable night.

Ten of the 18-man squad who travelled to Istanbul for that Final had their Anfield careers cut short, and Benitez made it clear he is prepared to wield the axe again as he said: "We have the potential to be one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and we can take a step towards that by bringing in players of character, quality and experience.

"The new owners have already seen what is possible here. Every time we have spoken, it has been positive, and we will talk again after the final.

"A second Champions League final in three seasons shows what can be done, but we want to achieve even more. This is going to be an important summer, because we want to maintain our progress and keep going forward next season.

"I am happy with my players and feel we are heading in the right direction, but this final is just a stopping off point on the path to where we want to be. We still need to improve if we want to be contenders in the League.

"Another European Cup would be very welcome, but the aim is not just to win this trophy. It is to be stronger all round, so we can make a better challenge for the Premiership next season."

Benitez has already paid £5million for Gremio's Brazil Under-20 midfielder Lucas Leiva and snapped up Bayer Leverkusen's free-scoring Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin on a Bosman free transfer.

The serious spending will start after Liverpool return from Athens, though, as Benitez attempts to work his way through a list of costly targets.

While the likes of Craig Bellamy, Mark Gonzalez, Kewell and Sami Hyypia have all been left fretting on their futures, Benitez has identified the recruits he believes are needed after Liverpool again fell short in the League.

Real Zaragoza's Argentina centre half Gabi Milito is back in contention to bolster Liverpool's defensive options, while Sevilla's Dani Alves remains a prime candidate for a place on the right of midfield.

Up front, Benitez is still considering a move for Charlton's Darren Bent and monitoring the availability of Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, Atletico Madrid frontrunner Fernando Torres and Valencia danger man David Villa.

Hicks knows this is a key time for the club and said: "Rafa has already announced one signing in Lucas Leiva, who looks really good. I think he will be a very busy man after Wednesday."