Yossi Benayoun reassured over Liverpool FC future
YOSSI BENAYOUN has been told he will not be sold - despite constant speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield.
The Israeli midfielder was again linked with a move to Roma today with the Italian club having identified him as one of their main transfer targets for this summer.
But Benayoun has been assured by Rafa Benitez he will not be sold and the player himself is not looking to leave anyway so any such move would be highly unlikely.
The 28-year-old has impressed during pre-season, scoring three goals in seven games and playing a key role in Liverpool's unbeaten run.
Benayoun's ability to play in a number of positions makes him a key member of Benitez's first team squad and the Reds boss has made it clear to him that his future lies with Liverpool.
And with Sebastian Leto having left Liverpool on a one year loan deal to Olympiakos, the Reds boss would be loathe to reduce his options on the left side still further by allowing the versatile Benayoun to depart.
Furthermore, contrary to speculation, there is no need whatsoever for Benayoun to be sold to finance the proposed signing of Gareth Barry as the funding for that possible deal is entirely separate.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard faces a race against time to be fit for the first leg of Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege next Wednesday.
As expected, the thigh injury Gerrard picked up during the first half of the Reds' 4-1 friendly win over Valerenga on Tuesday is not serious, but it is expected to keep him out of action for up to a week.
Gerrard ensured the problem would not be any worse than it is by signalling to the bench that he needed to come off as soon as he felt a twinge.
The Liverpool captain will sit out tomorrow night's warm-up match against Lazio at Anfield and is undergoing treatment at Melwood in a bid to be ready for the meeting with Standard.
Benitez said: "Scans have confirmed our diagnosis of a thigh strain.
"Steven will be out for more or less a week."
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