Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said yesterday the European champions had signed four players including Dutch international winger Boudewijn Zenden.

Zenden joined on a free transfer from Middlesbrough after finalising personal details over the weekend.

Benitez told a news conference that Liverpool had also completed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Jose Reina from Villarreal.

The Spanish coach has gone back to his homeland again to bring in Chilean international left winger Mark Gonzales from Albacete and full-back Antonio Barragan from Sevilla.

"We are improving the team," said Benitez. "We have signed Zenden, Middlesbrough's best player last season, Jose Reina, the best goalkeeper in Spain, Mark Gonzales, the best player in Chile, and young Antonio Barragan.

"We will be signing two or three more players this week," added the manager, without offering any details.

Zenden said he had little hesitation in joining Liverpool and predicted a better showing in the Premier League after their disappointing fifth-place finish last season.

"When the champions of Europe come knocking it is not a difficult decision," he said.

"When there is a new manager and new players it always takes a bit of time but we are here to challenge.

"I am not the type of guy to throw in the towel before we start. This is a club that has to challenge for the title.

"I'm not saying it will happen this year but I am sure it will happen."