du site de liverpool
Rafael Benitez is contemplating a move for Lyon forward Sidney Govou as he seeks to bolster his striking options.
The Liverpool manager has grown frustrated at the lack of progress in his attempts to lure attacking targets to Anfield.
Feyenoord´s Dirk Kuyt remains the priority, and although the player is keen on a transfer the Dutch club would have to lower their £10million asking price before Liverpool consider making a move.
Peter Crouch is the preferred alternative, but the £6m valuation of the England international by Southampton has proven prohibitive.
It has meant Benitez has started to look elsewhere, with Lyon striker Govou attracting his interest.
The 25-year-old has been told he will be allowed to leave the French club after helping guide them to a fourth successive title last season, scoring eight goals in 36 league games.
And an approach would be sure to tempt Govou, with Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas yesterday saying: " Sid-ney´s being won over by the idea of staying, but we gave him the option of leaving after all he´d done for us at the end of last season.
" It´s just that he hasn´t had any concrete offers yet."
Govou is under contract until 2008, but is facing renewed competition for a place at Lyon with new manager Gerard Houllier having bought John Carew from Valencia at the weekend.
Liverpool reported back for pre-season training yesterday minus goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, who will this week begin his season-long loan to West Bromwich Albion.
The injury-hit Kirkland has made just 45 appearances for Liverpool since a £6m move from Coventry four years ago, with last season disrupted by a back problem.
With Jose Reina poised to confirm an £8m move to Anfield from Villarreal, and with Jerzy Dudek recently confirming he is willing to fight for his place, Kirkland´s opportunities are seemingly limited.
" Chris feels Albion and the Premiership is the place to be," said his agent Chris Gordon. " It is an exciting opportunity for him at Albion. They will get a top quality goalkeeper.
" He wants to show he is fit again and is ready to establish himself in the Premiership and as an England player. The World Cup finals next year are very much in his mind. The medical will hold no fears for Chris. He feels fantastic and has real confidence in his back for the first time in ages."
This story has been reproduced from today´s media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.
; -) 
What the French for that ?
