DAVID SILVA POSSIBLY ON HIS WAY

Rafa Benitez is running out of time to land his last luxury signing of the summer.

The Reds boss would like to bring in David Silva but he desperately needs to find approximately £19million to lodge a formal offer. Further payments would almost certainly have to be included in any deal but it's going to take an initial £19m to open formal negotiations.

If Xabi Alonso is sold that could free enough funds to convince the club's owners to fund the rest but it's likely that they would also want to see additional funds raised, possibly from the sale of Jermaine Pennant, especially after funding a move for Gareth Barry.

Valencia president Vicente Soriano is expecting Barcelona to swoop for Silva again within the next week. He's already gone on record as saying that both David Villa and Silva are not for sale. However Valencia desperately need money and Barca are aware of that. So too are Real Madrid who have emerged as favourites to capture Villa.

Roma are another club chasing Silva. The player's agent continually claims interest from Italy but Valencia have denied speaking to the Italians.

It is possible that Silva's future could be decided within the next week. If he remains with Valencia, that could suit Benitez as it would enable him to return next year armed with the funds needed to complete a deal.

INSIDER SOURCES ARE REPORTING: "Rafa wants to bring him [Silva] in but the budget won't allow it. He must sell 2, possibly 3 players and 1 of them would have to be Alonso.

"The Americans have already advanced money by finalising the Barry payments but even so they know that if they were to help Rafa bring in Silva, they would win over a lot of fans.

"But time is running out as Silva could be on his way to Barcelona if they swoop during the coming week."

The source added: "If Silva moves before the money can be raised don't be surprised if you see us linked with Shaun Wright-Phillips.

"If Silva stays where he is, Rafa will obviously consider returning with a bid next year depending on how things work out this season."