World NewsReds Boss Vows to Keep Pair |
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez has made it clear Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt will not be leaving Anfield this summer.
Midfielder Benayoun has been linked with Roma, and the Italian club have been making loud noises that the Israeli will be joining them.Kuyt had become a surprise target of German club Hamburg, with a possible £16million price tag.
But Benitez said on Thursday: "Neither of them will be leaving."
It had been suggested that the Anfield boss would let both go to finance a deal for Gareth Barry.
But he has held talks with both players, and said: "It is true that Roma are interested in Yossi.
"I have talked to him and told him I want to keep him. He is a player with quality and has shown that during pre-season.
"I have no more news about Yossi - he will be staying with us. I also talked with Dirk Kuyt this morning. I am really pleased with him and he will be staying with us."
Benitez seems no nearer having the capital to conclude the £18million move for Barry, after Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill gave the green light to the deal - if the terms are right for Villa - at the weekend.
It seems now that Benitez will look to sell Jermaine Pennant and Andriy Voronin to finance the move.
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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