Benitez defends Johnson move

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has defended the signing of Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson.


The Portsmouth defender has agreed to move to Anfield and he is expected to formally sign a contract in the next couple of days.

Reports suggest the transfer is costing £17m, although much of that will be written off because of money still owed by Pompey after Peter Crouch's move to Fratton Park last summer.

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"Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more," said the Liverpool manager. "You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.

"We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules. Glen Johnson fits both categories."

Benitez is confident he will make other signings, although he may spend more of his time trying to hang on to the likes of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Javier Mascherano who have all been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"We have a plan. We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving," he said.

"Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract. If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it."