Keane scored against Liverpool twice at Anfield last season

Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush believes Robbie Keane would increase Rafa Benitez's options in attack.

The 28-year-old Tottenham and Republic of Ireland striker has been linked with a move to Anfield.

Rush told BBC Radio Merseyside: "If you're going to be successful you do have to have different options especially with Peter Crouch leaving.

"I think we need two or three and maybe four different options if you want to be successful."

The two sides are currently deadlocked on their valuation of the 27-year-old England international.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill is believed to be holding out for a fee of �18m, which the Reds have been unwilling to meet.

Rush feels that Villa's valuation of their captain is about right.

"It's the going rate for players today. If he's going to improve Liverpool, which I think he is, then that's what you have to pay."

When asked for his hopes for the coming season for the Reds, Rush was clear where his priorities lay.

"To win the League, it's no good saying we're not going to win the League."