Benitez plans busy summer in transfer market

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LONDON, May 22 (Reuters) Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is planning a busy summer as he searches for the players to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

Despite reaching tomorrow's Champions League final in Athens, the Spaniard is determined to use the cash injection provided by new American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to close the gap on Manchester United and Chelsea.

''We have the potential to be one of the biggest clubs in Europe and we can take a step towards that by bringing in players of character, quality and experience,'' Benitez was quoted in British media today.

''The new owners have already seen what is possible. Every time we have spoken, it has been positive. A second Champions League final in three seasons shows what can be done but we want to achieve more. This is going to be an important summer.

''I am happy with my players and feel we are heading in the right direction but this final is just a stopping-off point. We need to improve to be contenders in the league.'' Hicks has promised Benitez a considerable transfer kitty and acknowledges the need for the club to win the domestic title for the first time since 1990.

''Rafa has told me the improvements we need to compete and it was important to tie down Steven (Gerrard) and Jamie (Carragher) to new contracts; there will be others and those deals will be done. He will be a busy man after tomorrow.'' REUTERS BJR BD1515