Garcia in talks as Rafa trys to tempt Robbie to Anfield

Spanish forward Luis Garcia has emerged as the latest of Juande Ramos' transfer targets. Club chiefs were reportedly in talks with the 27-year-old Espanyol forward's agent and lawyer last night.

Reports emerged just hours after Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez publicly stated his interest in signing Robbie Keane, continuing his policy of attempting to unsettle any player he wishes to bring to Anfield.

Speculation across the web has linked the two deals together, claiming that Garcia will arrive at White Hart Lane as a replacement for the departing Keane but Spurs-Mad understands the club intends to hold on to the talismanic striker.

Espanyol's Garcia is also being chased by Benfica

Garcia, who finished last season as Espanyol's top scorer with 13 La Liga goals, is not an out an out striker, with speculation being fuelled by the similarity between the roles of the Spaniard and the Irishman.

According the BBC Sport, however, the deal to sign Garcia - who would cost the club £6m - is unrelated to any potential departures from Juande Ramos' side. That has not deterred Rafa Benitez from attempting to unsettle Keane.

He said: "Keane is one of the other names [on our list] and okay we are still working with other names. We were in contact and we will see now.

Whether this public statement will turn the head of a player who supported the Merseyside club as a boy remains to be seen but, unless Benitez's interest is made concrete with an offer, it is unlikely Keane will lobby to hard for a move.

Keane may be tempted to join the club he supported as a child

Reports had suggested Ramos hoped to rap up the transfer of David Bentley before flying to Spain for a pre-season training camp but as going to press there has been no further developments.