Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists Danish defender Daniel Agger does not want to leave Liverpool. The Spaniard said: "Agger is very happy here. I have spoken to him today about the things that have been said about his contract, and it was a very positive conversation.

"He is pleased and happy to stay here. He knows he has not been playing at the same level he achieved last season, but I am still pleased with him.

"He is not playing badly, but he knows he can do better. I have great confidence in him and he is a fantastic professional and he wants to stay with us."

Benitez added: "He is very competitive, and his only concern is how he can improve. His commitment to the club is 100 per cent and he does not want to leave.

"His new deal is not a problem. He has an agent (to deal with that) and Daniel can concentrate on football.

"He was surprised about suggestions regarding his contract because when I spoke to him three weeks ago he was only thinking about his own game."