Rafa Benitez's clear Anthony Gordon feelings sums up Liverpool transfer stance

It would be fascinating to get the true inside track on Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer. It was reported that it was looking to sign a center-back and wide forward, and there were concrete links to players for both positions .

But then the Reds appeared to have a deal in place for midfielder Martin Zubimendi , only for the move to fall through. The club has since followed that by entering talks for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili .

Whatever happens with the Valencia shot-stopper, there will still be no sign of a winger. Liverpool made a move for Anthony Gordon earlier in the transfer window, and the club’s former manager Rafael Benitez named the Newcastle man when discussing what he likes about working in the Premier League.

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The Spaniard recently gave a lengthy interview to Stick to Football , covering such topics as Istanbul , Sir Alex Ferguson and the summer in which Gareth Barry nearly replaced Xabi Alonso in the heart of the Liverpool midfield . Benitez also spoke about his hopes for his next career move.

"I'm thinking about the Premier League . It's not easy but I've had offers, five or six offers from teams at the bottom of the table,” he said.

"I'm realistic. I have the passion, the knowledge, the experience so I can make the difference. The methodology - I like to be on the pitch coaching players and improving players. Little things.”

"Anthony Gordon is one example. We can improve players and make these things happened, but there are not too many [clubs]. Manchester United will not come for me. Chelsea will not come for me,” the ex- Liverpool manager continued.

"There are teams that I will not coach because they won't come for me now. The teams in the middle of bottom the table start firing managers and you have to make a decision. I want to coach in the Premier League, then this team at the bottom of the table has come in and they have a project, or will they panic.”

"The first thing is the Premier League. This year, I've had two from Greece, one from Türkiye, one from Hungary, two from Mexico, one from Emirates, one from Qatar, two from Saudi Arabia, and a couple of national teams. Now I'm thinking about Premier League priority. Can I compete to win, or is it just to stay in the league? I don't like to be a survivor."

Liverpool.com says: It is interesting that Benitez mentioned Gordon, a player who only made 18 appearances for him thanks to his relatively brief spell at Everton. But he knows a good footballer when he sees one, and many Liverpool fans will hope Gordon ends the summer at their club.