Rafa wanted Sinama at Valencia

Last updated : 10 November 2004 By Rich Middleton
The Reds manager said that whilst Liverpool eventually got the double signing of Anthony Le Tallec and Pongolle, both players were of great interest to Valencia.

Benitez said:"We tried to sign Sinama and Le Tallec for Valencia. My scout said that he had seen two very good players - but Liverpool paid a lot of money for them so it came to nothing."

He added: "We knew Le Tallec was the best player in the under-17 World Cup, and Sinama was the top scorer. There's definitely the potential there - they are both good players. They need to play at this level and then they will get more confidence."