Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has rubbished reports in Spain suggesting Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Xabi Alonso.
The Spain interntional midfielder has been strongly linked with a summer move away from Anfield, with a return to his homeland widely touted.
Benitez has always insisted that the classy midfielder remains an integral part of his long-term plans, but that has done little to stem the tide of speculation.
The latest rumours suggest Alonso has already opted for a move to Real, with a deal now in place, but that has been strongly denied by Reds boss Benitez.
"The situation is clear, we do not want to sell our best players and that includes Xabi," he told Liverpool's official website .
"He had a very good season for us and can be an important player in the future. There is no agreement with Real and we want him to be part of our plans going forward.
"Xabi himself told our club magazine only two weeks ago that he was looking forward to his sixth season as a Liverpool player. Why should he want to leave now?"
Benitez added: "Xabi's agent came to see me recently to talk about the future. It was a surprise for me and I pointed out to him there were three years left on Xabi's contract.
"I asked him if the player was happy in Liverpool and he said yes. It was a short meeting."
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