Rafa Benitez has rejected reports that Xabi Alonso could be set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

The Spain international came close to exiting Anfield last summer as Benitez looked to raise funds to finance the purchase of Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

Alonso and Barry eventually remained with their existing employers, but the Reds ace has now been linked with a possible move to Real Madrid.

Real presidential candidate Florentino Perez is believed to be keen on signing the former Real Sociedad ace, with reports suggesting Benitez could again look to cash in.

But the Liverpool boss, who pulled out of his weekly press conference at short notice, has now moved to quell the speculation.