Source: SKY_Sports
Rafa coy on Xabi future
Rafa Benitez would not be drawn on Xabi Alonso's Liverpool future but was prepared to rule out any summer move for Spain international David Villa.
Alonso was quoted in the Spanish press on Monday morning as saying he was flattered by Real Madrid's interest in his services.
The Santiago Bernabeu outfit have made no secret of their desire to add the talented midfielder to their ranks amid a summer of lavish spending.
But Benitez, speaking from Bangkok ahead of the club's two-match tour of Thailand and Singapore, refused to add further fuel to their fire.
"Xabi Alonso is here with us so he will be available," he said.
"One thing that you need to understand is the Spanish press. The future of Xabi Alonso is to enjoy here with the people of Thailand and the weather and the game. The next week he will be here."
Benitez also revealed he has no plans to discuss the situation with the player, who signed a five-year deal in June 2007 and proved one of Liverpool's key performers last term, ahead of Wednesday night's game against Thailand in Bangkok.
"We'll talk about tactics and the game and try to enjoy our football," he added.
One player who will not be arriving at Anfield, however, is David Villa.
The prolific Valencia striker has been periodically linked with the Merseyside club and the prospect of recreating his partnership with countryman Fernando Torres in the Premier League was one to savour.
But Benitez emphatically ruled out any approach for the 27-year-old, saying: "David Villa, he is not our target."
Defender Glen Johnson is the only significant piece of business to have been completed so far this summer after joining from Portsmouth but Benitez hinted there could be further arrivals ahead of the transfer deadline.
"We have already signed Johnson, an international for England. He is a good signing and Andriy Voronin is coming back, he was one of the best players in the German league, so we have two good additions. You never know in football, we still have some time and we need to keep working on other names," he said.
"We have fantastic players and hopefully we can keep the level of last year and see with one or two additions we could improve a little bit. At the moment we are very pleased."
