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#3 David Silva
Under Rafa Benitez, Liverpool had a massive Spanish core. With the likes of Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia signing pretty much immediately, Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres soon joined the Anfield club and formed a formidable foundation which would yearn consistent returns in the Premier League and the Champions League for years. However, another big Spaniard was linked with an Anfield switch in 2009.
David Silva was identified as a target for Liverpool, but the deal would collapse due to Valencia's reported £20 million asking price, as they looked to cash in on some of their stars at high prices. Benitez was left unhappy with the situation and was forced to look elsewhere for summer signings. The dire situation with the club's owners did not help matters at all, with other positions requiring strengthening at the time for the Reds.
