It is believed Benitez is facing opposition from his club’s American owners over the cost, length of contract and viability of such a lot of money spent on a 28-year-old.

Benitez promised to sign one more new player this summer, insisting it will be to fill his problem left-flank area – and maintained the new player will be English.

Benitez said: “(This deal) is not about money.”

The situation was complicated by the outstanding performance of Xabi Alonso last night and the reception and backing he got from the Kop crowd who clearly do not want to see one of their favourites sold to buy Barry.

But all Benitez would say was: “We have a good player [Alonso] and we have another good player coming in soon.

“We can improve the squad, so we will try to do that. We will bring in one more player if we can.

“I do not know when. But clearly we have problems on the left. (Harry) Kewell has gone, (Fabio) Aurelio is injured and (Sebastien) Leto cannot get a work permit. (Ryan) Babel is away in the Olympic Games. Maybe he can come back and fill that role, but I know we can improve in this area.

“Who comes in? It could be another left-sided player, rather than a central midfielder. Maybe he can play in three different positions – that is a positive thing. I am talking about one player but I won’t say the name.”

Benitez refused to be specific yet, asked a direct question, declined to rule out a player who exactly fits his description.

“I will try to improve the team and the squad if I can,” he said.

"I am pleased because we have not lost again; I will try to do my best to improve the squad.

“The situation is not a question of money.”