Rafa: Reds duo will stay put
07 Aug 2008 - 17:48:07
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has vowed to keep both Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt at the club for next season, despite interest in the pair from the continent.
Roma have revealed their interest in Israel midfielder Benayoun, while Hamburg are rumoured to be tracking Netherlands forward Kuyt, but Benitez says that both men are happy at Anfield.
He told the club's official website: "Neither player will be leaving.
"It is true that Roma are interested in Yossi. I was talking with him yesterday 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 also be staying with us."
Twenty-eight-year-old Benayoun only moved to Anfield last summer from West Ham United and scored 11 goals in 47 appearances last season.
Kuyt, also 28, joined the Reds from Feyenoord two years ago and has gone on to net 25 times in 96 outings for Benitez's side.