Rafa in Gerrard vow

Rafa Benitez has reiterated his desire to keep Steven Gerrard at Liverpool.

The talismanic midfielder is a long-term target of Chelsea and reports suggest the champions-elect will make another move for the England international in the summer.

With The Reds struggling to qualify for next season's Champions League, it could make it difficult for Gerrard to ignore the overtures from the capital.

But Liverpool boss Benitez is adamant that retaining Gerrard's services is not dependent on the club qualifying for the Champions League.

Gerrard has two years remaining on his contract at Anfield and Benitez feels this puts Liverpool in a strong position to determine their skipper's future at the end of the season.

Benitez is anxious for the club to hang onto Gerrard for even longer and has reiterated his view that the midfielder is key to Liverpool's future success.

"I have four more years here and I want him to stay for that time," said Benitez.

"And, if it is possible and I stay for five more after that, I would want him to stay too because he is a great player.

"I have said before it is easier for me to have English players and Steve is our captain, a key player, a fantastic player. I do not want to talk about him leaving.

"Champions League football is not essential to keep Gerrard because he has two years of his contract to run and is our player, so we do not have to change the situation.

"I only want to do the best for this club and that means keeping your best players. If players are not happy, then maybe you need to make them happy.

"Michael Owen had only one more year but Gerrard's case is different. He is our player for the next two years and I have told him many times we want to build a team around him."