Rafa warns City off Stevie

Gerrard: Not for sale

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Rafa Benitez has warned Manchester City's new owners not to bother setting their sights on Steven Gerrard.

With the Abu Dhabi United Group recently completing their takeover of City, the Blues have rocketed to the top of football's rich list.

A record breaking deal for Robinho on transfer deadline day is seen as a sign of things to come, with the Blues expected to once again break the bank when the transfer window re-opens in January.

City's new regime have made it clear that they want to bring big names to Eastlands, with Gerrard just one of the many to have been mooted.

However, Liverpool insist their talismanic skipper is going nowhere, adamant he can fulfil his ambitions at Anfield.

Commitment

"I do not want to talk about the size of any club in relation to us," said Benitez.

"Gerrard is a local player and this is his club. He is a key player for us and he is happy here.

"We are improving every year and he knows that we can win trophies. That is the most important thing.

"You never know about other players, they are professionals and this is football.

"But Gerrard is playing well and if we are improving he will be very, very happy here.

"The key is that he wants to stay here, that is the most important thing. It is not a question of money.

"He has a commitment with the club and the fans, and as a local lad he would prefer to stay here."

Potential

Meanwhile, Benitez has also questioned whether City can ever break into English football's elite and become regular challengers for silverware.

"In the future you never know how dangerous City's potential will be," said the Spaniard.

"I do not know when they can become genuine contenders. They are a good team with good players and a good manager.

"But why not? They can be serious contenders, but there are other teams have spent big money like Aston Villa.

"Other teams are trying to do the same. But you must realise how hard the Premier League is to win, and I am sure that Manchester City will be patient.

"In January, maybe, they will try to do things in the market. But it is not easy, it depends on a lot of things.

"Clubs will ask for more. It can be difficult, so we will see how they operate in January."