Despite rumours that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is caught up in another battle with the Anfield board, Thursday's newspapers are full of transfer targets for the Reds.

The Times report that Benitez is ready to make an offer for £10m-rated Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, but they do file it under the heading "long shots" and given Liverpool's apparent financial problems the move looks unlikely.

It is much more likely that Liverpool will sign 30-year-old Greek centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos from AEK Athens for £1.5m.

In today's instalment of the Joleon Lescott transfer saga Everton boss David Moyes will demand £30m from Manchester City for his want-away defender. The Daily Mail claim that City's improved offer of £22m, after failing with recent bids of £15m and £18m, will be rejected.

The Guardian concur and report that Moyes will not reduce Lescott's price tag despite dropping the Everton defender from Thursday night's home Europa League qualifier with a scathing condemnation of the player's "poor attitude".

If the Lescott deal does fall through Man City have lined up a swoop for West Ham United defender Matthew Upson, but the Daily Mirror claim Aston Villa are lining up £12m offer to pinch the Hammers star. Money worries at Upton Park may see the 30-year-old sold quickly to balance the books.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth are hoping to sign Cameroon midfielder Modeste M'Bami, who has been training with the club, on a two-year deal, according to The Sun.