[lfc-news] Reds may swoop for Pellegrino - Echo

Liverpol Echo, 29 Dec 2004
Reds may swoop for Pellegrino
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ is considering a January swoop for Valencia defender
Mauricio Pellegrino.

The Argentinian has been granted a free transfer from the Mestalla club
having lost his place under Claudio Ranieri.

Pellegrino was a mainstay in Benitez's title winning side last year. Now
33, any move to Liverpool is likely to be as cover for Sami Hyypia and
Jamie Carragher.

With Swiss veteran Stephane Henchoz likely to leave, probably to
Manchester City, in January, Benitez will be short of options at
centre-half.

Benitez is still hopeful of signing Real Madrid striker Fernando
Morientes, but reports of an imminent bid for Pablo Aimar are wide of
the mark.

Aimar issued a come and get me plea to his former boss, but Benitez's
priority is elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Steve Finnan was today undergoing a scan at Melwood after a
gash on his leg sustained in the first half of yesterday's game with
Southampton.

The Ireland international required eight stitches after the challenge
with Saints midfielder Neil McCann.