Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has claimed talk of him leaving Anfield this summer is well wide of the mark.

The Spanish schemer has had his preparations for the European Championship interrupted by reports emanating from both Spain and Italy that have suggested his time on Merseyside could be drawing to a close.

Rafa Benitez has spoken of how Barry's signing would be to complement rather than replace existing members of his squad, with the Reds boss alluding to the fact Aston Villa's captain is capable of occupying various positions and not just the central-midfield berth favoured by Alonso.

Alonso remains fully committed to Liverpool and has no intention of swapping the Premier League for La Liga or Serie A any time soon.

"It surprises me because I know the real truth," Alonso told skysports.com, when quizzed on reports of an approach from Real Madrid.

"There has been no movement from Real Madrid, whether official or otherwise.

"At the moment I am with Liverpool, I have a contract with Liverpool and I want to be at Liverpool.

"I have been surprised and very disappointed to read that I want to leave Liverpool. The people who write these things have clearly not done very rigorous research."