Benitez laughs off West Ham's bid
West Ham's reported offer of Yossi Benayoun in a straight swap for Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has been snubbed by Rafa Benitez.
The Hammers have been heavily linked with a swoop for 27-year-old Wales international Bellamy, whose spell at Anfield is on borrowed time following the recent arrival of £20million Spanish starlet Fernando Torres at Liverpool.
However, while West Ham are thought to have offered £7million for Bellamy, who cost the Reds £6.5million from Blackburn last summer, the Champions League finalists are looking for around £8-9million.
Fresh reports are claiming that West Ham are now willing to hand over Israeli international midfielder Benayoun, who has already been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, in a straight swap for Bellamy. But Liverpool boss Benitez has laughed off the bid as he only values Benayoun at £3.5million, so would want around £5million in cash as well as the player before a deal could be concluded