The new Argentina boss has announced he is to visit England to discuss plans with Liverpool's Javier Mascherano and Manchester United's Carlos Tevez, and it is thought he may attend the Reds' Tuesday night Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid to run the rule over the tough-tackling midfielder.

"I know when Javier was told about the appointment he was excited, and very pleased," Benitez said. "I do not know whether Maradona will be here for the Madrid game, but it is possible. There are several good Argentinians in their squad for him to see.

"I have been told by the Argentina federation that he will be in England between November 2 and 8. He also wants to see Carlos Tevez in Manchester." In separate comments, Benitez urged fans at Reds striker Robbie Keane's old club, Spurs, to treat their former idol with respect when Liverpool visit tomorrow. The north Londoners are expected to offer a largely hostile reception to Keane, but Benitez compared the striker's return to Peter Crouch's arrival at Anfield in a Portsmouth shirt on Wednesday, just months after his move to Fratton Park.

The Spaniard said: "Peter came back to Liverpool this week and was given a great reception. He will always be a good player and he has the respect of our fans.

"I do not believe that Robbie has anything to prove, he has great quality. Hopefully Spurs fans will acknowledge this and what he did for them, and that he is now with another team. "Keane is available after his slight [groin] injury; he wants to play every game anyway, but yes, this one is very important to him."