Red fan Carson may be swayed

Benitez believes the youngster will get the most from a career at Anfield, where he will likely play more than at Chelsea, who are said to be after the keeper too.

Benitez said: "I feel that coming here would be a good opportunity for him because here he can play more games. If you see the other team (Chelsea), they have a very good young goalkeeper. If I had to make that decision, I would go to Liverpool."

He added: "Carson is the first option. A week ago I was confident we would get him, but now I don't know. But we have made a good offer and he will play more games here. He knows we really want him and he is a Liverpool fan."