LONDON (AFP) - Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is being linked Wednesday to a January move for Dutch club Heerenveen's Brazilian front man Afonso Alves.

The rumours are bound to fuel rumours that Peter Crouch is on his way out of Anfield but Alves will not come cheap after his seven-goal exploit in his club's 9-0 victory over Heracles Almelo at the weekend.

The 26-year-old forward was signed form Swedish side Malmo before the start of last season and went on to score 34 goals in 31 league games and was named the Netherlands' player of the year. Alves has seven caps for Brazil. (AFP)