"Maybe he is cheaper than other players but we will have to see what happens."
Benitez did admit that reports about him eyeing three centre-backs were true, and that they had been in discussions with Brondby, which almost certainly points to Daniel Agger.
The other two players believed to be on Benitez's hit list are Stuttgart's Fernando Meira and Cologne's Lukas Sinkiewicz.
"I have read in the press about centre-backs and the information was correct," added Benitez.
"The only problem for me is when you read that in the newspapers it means the clubs will put the price up for the player.
"Maybe one of the players plays for Stuttgart and the other for another club, who I don't want to say.
"We have been linked with a lot of players and I need to talk with chief executive Rick Parry and my scouting department to see what we can do.
"I want a centre-back and a right winger. I would like at least two new players, maybe two centre-backs, but we will have to see how much money we have available.
"We need to sell a player first to pay for Crouch and a new centre-back and a right winger. We have possibilities and we will wait and see and be patient."