Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has reportedly confirmed the transfer of Holland and Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt and are very close to confirming the signing of Wales and Blackburn Rovers forward Craig Bellamy after Liverpool were allowed to talk to Bellamy by Blackburn Rovers.

Feyenoord have reluctantly accepted a £10m (€14m) bid for Dirk Kuyt from Liverpool after consistent pressure from Benitez and interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and Arsenal.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been chasing the 25-year-old Dutch international striker’s signature for over a year, but Kuyt, who is on World Cup duty with the Oranje squad, will not sign anything until he returns from World Cup duty.

The Dutch have already qualified for the knockout stages, so Kuyt's move to Liverpool is at least a week away.

As for Benitez’s other striker signing, Blackburn Rovers have now given permission to Liverpool to talk to Wales international striker Craig Bellamy.

Blackburn Rovers say they want to keep Bellamy at Ewood Park but have allowed Liverpool to speak to the Wales striker.

“We have made it crystal clear to Craig and his advisors that we want him at Ewood Park,” said Blackburn Rovers chairman John Williams.

“We made him an improved offer before Liverpool declared their interest, an offer that was consistent with our ambition and determination to build on last season's success.”

“The decision now rests with the player,” finished the Rovers Chairman.

It is now expected that Bellamy will sign for the Reds next week for a fee in the region of £6.5m (€9m).

If the two strikers join Rafa Benitez at Anfield, they will be joining Robbie Fowler and Peter Crouch in the Liverpool attack and will give Liverpool an effective strike-force for the first time in a very long time.

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