The Israel international insists he has no plans to leave Merseyside after holding positive discussions with the Reds chief before the end of last season.

"It seems the media in Israel and England are in a contest to see who's more bored during the slow summer months," Benayoun told Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz.

"The media in England published a story that Rafa Benitez told me finally that I'm staying at Liverpool.

"These reports are the work of the writer's imagination because, even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.

"Benitez told me unequivocally that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he's depending on me and that there's no way I'll leave Liverpool.

"I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him, moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.

"Liverpool is good for me and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me," added Benayoun. "I got better offers financially but these tempting offers don't change my mind.

"If Liverpool wouldn't want me, I'd leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract, if I understood they didn't want me, I'd get up right away and leave. But I'm not leaving Liverpool."