Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he has no intention to sell midfielder Xabi Alonso. After holding private talks with Alonso's agent on Friday, Benitez confirmed that the Spaniard would remain at the club as he had three years left to run on his contract and his performance on Sunday against Tottenham vindicated the manager's desire to keep him at Anfield.

"Alonso has three years left on his contract and we are really pleased with him, so we do not want to sell," Benitez said.

"But I have had a private conversation with his agent, and it was interesting to see who had that information.

"For me it was a private conversation, and it will stay that way, but it is clear he has three more years of his contract and we do not want to sell him.

"I repeat, we do not want to sell, he is not for sale. He has said he is happy here in Liverpool, in every single press conference, in every single interview.

"We have some ideas for the future, without losing any of our key players."