Liverpool are going through a rough time at present, with the club's owners against Rafa Benitez, Javier Mascherano not sure of a new deal and Momo Sissoko wanting to leave the club.

Surely George Gillett and Tom Hicks have seen what a major contribution Mascherano brings to the side. So why not raise the £17million required to make his move permanent  and secure the services of an outstanding player, rather then lose him to a Champions League rival such as Real Madrid, Barcelona or even AC Milan?

As for Sissoko, he is going through a rough time under Benitez. All his family wanted to see him in action in the Champions League game in Marseille recently. But you have to give Rafa his due - Momo hasn't performed this season. When Benitez gives him a start, he flies into tackles, is slow on the ball and gives it away to the opposition.

You also must consider that he has tough competition from players who scarcely-ever make mistakes - men like Lucas Leiva, Steven Gerrard and Mascherano, not to forget the injury-plagued Xabi Alonso.

Benitez is a guy with a mastermind when it comes to transfers. He makes good signings that can take the club far - look at Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Mascherano as evidence. But unfortunately it seems the owners think he is messing up the club's funds.