Speculation has been rife that the Reds' striker will be heading for the Anfield exit door during the next transfer window after failing to establish himself as a first team regular this season.

But Benitez insists Crouch still has a big part to play at the club and isn't available for transfer.

"People have been talking about Peter Crouch for two months, but he is our player and we don't want to sell him.

"He is a nice boy, a good professional, a good player. It is clear that this team now with four strikers creates more competition for places, but I don't have any problems because Crouch is a good player."