Liverpool unveil record sponsorship

Liverpool fans might be forgiven for looking to next season already after the club announced a record £80million sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered Bank which will come into place next term.

The huge contract will allow Reds boss Rafa Benitez to be more active in the transfer market as they seek an elusive league title.



Benitez has strengthened his squad in the summer with the arrivals of Glen Johnson, Alberto Aquilani and Sotirio Kyrgiakos but the search for an affordable world-class frontman to compliment Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard continues.



And with Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City all looking stronger in the transfer market and challenging for a top-four finish, the new sponsorship contract is a timely boost for the Anfield club and should improve their title chances.



The Reds have endured a difficult start to the season and already find themselves six points behind leaders Chelsea after defeats to Tottenham and Villa.



Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow said: "The fans will ask, of course, whether the money will stay within the club and they'll be pleased to know the revenue, profits and income is the club's," said Purslow.



"It stays in the club, and our job is to support the team so we'll invest a sensible amount in our wage bill and a sensible level of profits in our transfers.



"As you drive your revenues forward, you try to generate profits and those profits will be used to invest in the future of the club, which, in football speak, often means buying players.



"From next summer, one of our key income lines, the revenue line, will be substantially increased as a function of this commercial agreement, so a normal ratio of that will go to the wage bill and my ability to support Rafa in the transfer market will be hugely enhanced.



"We want to be the best football team in the world and there is a pretty clear link between that and having the best performance off the field."