Rafa Benitez to sign one more player

Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez has indicated that his club has money for one more signing after dishing out £17 million on Portsmouth’s Glen Johnson.

The 24 year-old full back agreed a move to The Reds and is expected to put pen-to-paper in the next 48 hours.

The transfer represents a sizeable chunk of Benitez’s allotted funds, but the Liverpool boss says there is room for at least one more.

“We have a plan,” the Spaniard told the Liverpool Echo. “We can sign one more player if necessary, but that’s without any players leaving.”

The arrival of Johnson could pave the way for Alvaro Arbeloa’s move to Real Madrid.

The Spainish international has been linked with a summer switch to the Bernabeu, with the Spanish giants reportedly prepared to pay around £8 million.

On the contrary, Benitez says he wants Arbeloa to remain at Anfield, but given his current contract situation, he may be forced to consider offers.

“Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract,” said Benitez.

“If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it.”

Benitez has also revealed why he over-paid to secure Johnson’s signature, as he felt the England right back was a necessary addition.

“Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more,” he added.

“You can’t compete in the top four of The Premier League unless you spend some money.

“We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules.

“Glen Johnson fits both categories.”