Rafa Benitez has dramatically pushed Robbie Keane closer to a return to Tottenham after leaving the Irishman out of the squad to face Chelsea today and telling reporters that it was not his decision to sign Keane in the summer.
The Mail on Sunday even claims that Keane is now 'on the verge' of rejoining Tottenham after his omission, coupled with Jermain Defoe's foot injury, 'prompted Spurs manager Harry Redknapp to move fast to secure the Irishman'.
Benitez is described as 'effectively ending Keane's six-month Anfield career' by leaving him out of the squad of players to face Chelsea.
More telling was his denial of responsibility about Keane's summer purchase made to reporters over the weekend. When queried why he had spent £20m on a player he has barely used this season, Benitez reputedly interjected to comment: "The club spent £20m on him."