Benayoun reportedly agreed a new five-year-deal at Upton Park verbally three weeks ago, but he has yet to put pen to paper.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry confirmed the bid for the Israel captain, although he dismissed reports that Liverpool had offered over three million pounds (5.9 million dollars) for the player.

"I can confirm we have made an approach for Yossi Benayoun, but the figures quoted are completely wrong," he said. "Other than that we don't want to say any more."

Benayoun's international team-mate Tal Ben Haim meanwhile appears to be on his way to Chelsea after Newcastle conceded defeat in their efforts to sign the Bolton centreback.

Former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, now in charge of the Magpies, had attempted to persuade the 25-year-old to rejoin him at St James' Park.

But Allardyce revealed Thursday that the Israeli was set on a move to Chelsea, who made a bid for him during the January transfer window.

"It's looking like Tal will be going to Chelsea, unfortunately," Allardyce said. "We have had a long, hard go, but I think the lure of the (former) champions has perhaps just pipped me at the post."