£1.5 million. That's the amount Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has for his summer transfer fund.

According to The Express, Benitez will have to sell before he buys if he needs to strengthen the team.

The lack of depth of Liverpool's squad was ruthlessly exposed in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks had reportedly promised an annual £20m transfer fund and it has now emerged the funds that are available are not as large as thought.

The Reds may have to sacrifice more big-name players in order to fund more signings. Javier Mascherano was shortlisted by European and Spanish champions Barcelona but was rebuffed by Liverpool. The Catalan side then changed their target to Albert Riera.

Italian left-back Andrea Dossena as well as striker Andriy Voronin could yet make an Anfield exit.

Benitez has been linked with Hull City's Michael Turner, Bolton's Gary Cahill as he tries to bring in defensive reinforcements. Former Liverpool supersub David Fairclough thinks the Reds should offer a contract for former Arsenal, Tottenham and Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell.