Benitez - Alonso will stay

Liverpool manager expects Spaniard to remain at Anfield

Last updated: 1st September 2008

Alonso Xabi

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has reiterated that he wants to keep Xabi Alonso at Anfield.

The midfielder has been linked with Juventus and Arsenal throughout the summer transfer window and it was thought he could leave to finance a move for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

However, with a deal for Barry having been ruled out last week, Benitez has confirmed he will not be allowing Alonso to leave in any deadline day deal.

Benitez has always maintained the stance that he did not want to sell Alonso and he does expect the Spanish international to leave Merseyside.

"I think that Alonso will be staying," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are expected to complete the signing of Espanyol winger Albert Riera on Monday.

Benitez is confident of securing the former Manchester City player and the Reds are expected to pay a fee in the region of £8million for the Spaniard.