Liverpool's under-fire boss Gerard Houllier is to be given a �30m-war chest for new signings, say reports. Houllier has already earmarked �14m for Auxerre striker Djibril Cisse as the club bids to get back among the Premiership's elite.
Cisse's team-mate Philippe Mexes, Nottingham Forest youngster Michael Dawson and Ajax's Hatem Trabelsi have also been linked with the Merseysiders.
El-Hadji Diouf, Salif Diao and Djimi Traore are tipped to be offloaded.
Anfield chief executive Rick Parry admits Chelsea's new-found wealth will make it tougher for Liverpool to attract their targets.
But he insists the club, locked in a four-way battle to qualify for Europe, are determined to revive their former glory days.
"Obviously Chelsea's millions have moved the goalposts somewhat, but we are going to do everything we can to get to the top again," he said.
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"It will take lots of application and effort to get there and I promise there will be plenty of that."
A big-spending strategy is a calculated risk for Liverpool, who failed to qualify for the Champions League this season.
But Parry is adamant that a fourth-place finish in the Premiership behind Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United is not good enough and the club have appointed financial advisors to look at money-raising options. News that the Anfield board are determined to get back in touch with the big boys will delight the club's disenchanted supporters.
A few high-profile summer purchases could also be the key to persuading England striker Michael Owen to finally commit to a longterm deal.
MMIX
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