Liverpool are set to step up their interest in the Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane. Rafael Benítez is said to have offered cash-plus Peter Crouch for Tottenham's vice-captain.

The Spaniard is hoping to pair Keane with last year's top scorer Fernando Torres in Liverpool's push to challenge for the Premier League title. Benítez has already signed Swiss right-back Philipp Degen and is closing in on in Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena.

Gareth Barry's proposed transfer from Aston Villa to Liverpool also looks likely to go ahead after the player again declared his desire to play Champions League football next year. Liverpool are hoping that the lure of playing in Europe's elite competition will also be enough to tempt Robbie Keane to join his boyhood heroes at Anfield.