Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun is being linked with a return to former club West Ham, according to a report in the Echo.

The Israeli joined Liverpool from West Ham last year in a deal thought to be worth £5 million but has struggled to become a regular at Anfield.

Benayoun managed only 15 Premier League starts and 4 goals in his first season at Anfield which has led to speculation he may be surplus to requirements at the club.

The former West Ham man was a popular figure at Upton Park and a return would certainly be warmly welcomed by the fans who have fond memories of his time in East London.

Benayoun managed 8 goals in 63 appearances for West Ham and helped carry them to an FA Cup final with Liverpool which they eventually lost on penalties. However, the Israeli’s flair and creativity were as important as his goals and ensured he is still highly thought of by the Hammers.

The Echo reports that West Ham have contacted Liverpool to discuss the possibility of a move for Benayoun as they hope to be reunited with their former player.

Rafael Benitez has been widely quoted this week as saying he needs to sell players in order to finance more moves and it is possible Benayoun could potentially be sold as Liverpool look to strength their squad further.

Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise and Harry Kewell have already left Anfield this summer whilst Cavalieri, Degen, Dossena and Robbie Keane have all arrived. Liverpool are also still thought to be chasing Gareth Barry, although any further signings may be impossible until further funds are raised.

Ref From Gill Clark - goal.com

Yossi Benayoun wants to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool, even if the club are willing to let him go.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Tottenham, Portsmouth and Ajax all reported as potential suitors.

“He is a good player so it is only normal that these clubs would be interested in signing him,” his agent, Ronen Katsav, told BBC Sport.

“But Yossi is very happy at Liverpool, everything is perfect for him there.”

He added: “He sees his future at Liverpool. Even if the club wanted to sell him, then Yossi would say he would like to stay.”

Benayoun arrived at Anfield for a fee of £5m from West Ham last summer after an impressive couple of seasons with the Hammers.

Despite struggling to hold down a regular first team place in Rafael Benitez’s side, the Israel captain still managed to score 11 goals in his debut season.

He starred in Liverpool’s record Champions League victory over Besiktas last November, scoring a hat-trick as the Reds ran out 8-0 winners.

So far this summer, Liverpool have allowed John Arne Riise to join Roma for £4m as Benitez looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the title next season.

The Liverpool boss has also turned down a £9m offer from Portsmouth for striker Peter Crouch, while he is set to follow-up the signing of Swiss full-back Philip Degen with the capture of Italian left-back Andrea Dossena from Udinese.

By Russell Barder
Ref From BBC SPORT