Carson is Benitez's number one target

With Chris Kirkland out for at least three months with a back injury, and Dudek lacking confident between the sticks, Benitez is confident he can convince Carson that he will get more first team action at Anfield than Stamford Bridge.

"We've been talking about Carson for some time," said the Liverpool boss. "A week ago, I was confident of signing him. Now I don't know.

"I feel coming here would be a good opportunity for him because here he can play more games. It depends on the player, but if I had to make that decision, I would go to Liverpool."