Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has rejected rumours that Xabi Alonso is looking to leave the club. The Spanish midfielder has been linked with a return to his homeland and Barcelona and Real Zaragoza are both interested.

"When you have a big squad, it is impossible to play every game. But Xabi is a key player for us, with quality, and he must compete for his position," Benitez added.

"I was talking with his agent this week, I have also heard the rumours about him going somewhere else. But he is a player we want for us, for our future.

"He must compete for his place. We have four midfielders and it is a position I like to be in.

"He has re-signed a new, long, contract only recently. It is a good contract and he is important for us now and for the future."