Xabi Alonso's future at Liverpool is in doubt.

The People says Alonso, 26, is being kept out of Liverpool's first-choice side by Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva, a £9.5m summer signing from Gremio.

Spain star Alonso - who cost Liverpool £10.5million in 2004 and is rated at £14million - hopes to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday night.

But Benitez said: "Alonso is fit but Mascherano is playing well and so is Lucas. We have been playing with Lucas, Gerrard and Mascherano together and I don't really need another central midfield player on the bench.

"But Xabi is training well and if he plays well his future is here, why not?

"If you want to win trophies, you have to keep the good players with you."