Xavier: I'm a Liverpool player

The Portuguese defender is currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray after failing to nail down a first-team spot at Anfield this season.

Xavier linked up with Galatasaray during January's transfer window but refuses to believe his Liverpool career is over.

With The Reds failing to qualify for the Champions League, manager Gerard Houllier intends to inject fresh blood into his squad.

Former Everton ace Xavier's name had been mooted as a sacrificial lamb to free up some funds for Houllier to strengthen his armoury.

But Xavier is adamant he has not been put up for sale and, until he is informed otherwise, considers himself a Liverpool player.

"For me to leave Liverpool, with whom I have a contract until 2005, it would be necessary for an agreement between the two parties and, of that, there is nothing," Xavier told Portuguese paper Record.

"At this moment, Liverpool could recall me and negotiate a new loan with Galatasaray, if they are interested, or even sell me if the club wants.

"Until then, I am a Liverpool player who is on loan to Galatasaray."