Rafa Benitez is keen on Manchester City's Steven Ireland and Chelsea's Joe Cole.

Reports had surfaced that Liverpool could not meet Cole's wage demands, however with Tottenham also baulking at Cole's demands and his current club Chelsea not prepared to pay Cole what he wants the player now has to lower his financial demands.

The only problem for Liverpool is that Cole wants Champions League football something that Liverpool can no longer offer, that however is seen as a mild stumbling block and while Spurs remain favourites to end up with Cole, he could still end up at Anfield.

Stephen Ireland wants out of Manchester City desperately, he is unhappy there and Liverpool have been linked with the player on a regular basis.

City are prepared to listen to offers for Ireland who has accepted that he will not figure in Roberto Mancini's plans next season and again Benitez will face stiff competition from Harry Redknapp's Tottenham.

The advantage this time for Liverpool though is that Ireland wants to remain in the North of England and that has put Liverpool in the driving seat but and it is a big but, Man Utd are also said to be interested in the Man City midfielder and a move from Sir Alex Ferguson is seen as a bigger obstacle than a bid from Tottenham.

It at least appears that things are starting to settle down at Anfield, he club is now looking forward with a more positive outlook and the doom merchants that were writing off both Rafa Benitez and Liverpool may find that they have jumped the gun somewhat.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.