West Ham United and Liverpool have finally agreed a fee for Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun after protracted talks between the two clubs.
Liverpool’s first bid of around £3m was turned down straight away by West Ham, but Benayoun had heard of Liverpool’s interest by then, refusing to sign a new deal with the London side. At one point West Ham demanded £8m for the playmaker, before coming down to £6m, but Liverpool stood firm. It’s believed the agreed fee is for £4m.
The player had already agreed terms with the Reds after West Ham had allowed him to speak to the Champions League finalists and now all that remains is for the player to undergo a medical before signing the contract, said to be for four years.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benítez has been an admirer of the player since he was playing in La Liga. It was from the Spanish league and Racing Santander that West Ham signed him for £2.5m two years ago.