Dirk Kuyt, the Liverpool forward, says Robbie Keane would strengthen the club's chances of competing for the Premier League title this season should he join from Tottenham Hotspur.

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, and his squad have returned to Anfield after the club's pre-season trip to Switzerland and Germany and is determined to finalise a deal for the Tottenham forward, a situation that excites Kuyt.

"Keane has played for many years in the Premier League and he has done really well with Spurs and is a massive player for them," Kuyt said. "We all know how well he did for Spurs last season and if he could do the same for us, if he came here, he would be a great signing.

"When you are at a club like Liverpool you expect the club to be linked with top players and of course you want players like Keane because they can come in and do a good job. It would make competition for places even tougher, but that is the way it should be because it brings out the best in you.

"We are always looking to try and find out what is going on and we expect a few more signings but I suppose we will just have to wait and see."

Liverpool confirmed the arrival of Emmanuel Mendy, the 18-year-old Spanish full-back, from Murcia Deportivo today and are expecting to complete the £1.5 million transfer of David N'Gog, the Paris St Germain striker.