£3million bid accepted for Sebastian Leto - Liverpool FC latest
Jun 25 2009 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Sebastian Leto in action for Liverpool FC
RAFAEL BENITEZ is hoping for a cash boost to his transfer coffers, after accepting a £3m bid from Panathinaikos for Sebastian Leto.
With Alvaro Arbeloa also set to make a decision on his future as soon as Spain's Confederations Cup campaign finishes on Sunday, Benitez's transfer fund could be boosted by £8m over the weekend.
Winger Leto says he is "90 percent" certain he will play his football at Panathinaikos next season.
The Argentine spent last season on loan at Greek champions Olympiakos, but fell out with coach Erneste Valverde during his time there.
"I am very close to joining Panathinaikos," he said.
"There are negotiations between Panathinaikos and Liverpool and as far as I know the two sides are very close to a deal.
"I think that the possibilities of playing at Panathinaikos next season are more than 90 per cent.
"I have been waiting for something from Olympiakos all these weeks but they haven't made a move for me so far.
"It's not a matter of money. I wanted to stay at Olympiakos but since they don't want to sign me I have to think about my future."
Leto has not figured at Anfield since a Carling Cup run-out against Cardiff almost two years ago - his fourth and final senior start.
The Argentinian winger was signed from Lanus for £1.85m in summer 2007, but had problems securing a work permit. He has since gained an Italian passport.
Full-back Arbeloa, meanwhile, seemed to confirm his imminent departure last night when he said: "It would be a lie to say I will definitely play at Liverpool next season.
"But at the minute I have to put my personal problems aside and just concentrate on playing for Spain. From Monday I'll start to think about my future.
"I know my situation is in the air, and the only thing I know is I have one more year on my contract.
"But if there are any offers maybe Liverpool has to think about this because I have just one more year.
"It fills me with pride that Real Madrid would look at me. I'm flattered - it's a great project with the return of Florentino Perez."
Spain's shock Confederations Cup semi-final defeat by USA last night does not, however, mean the close season can finally start for Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Spain now meet Brazil or South Africa in a third place play-off at 2pm on Sunday.
