Real quiet on Gerrard

Real Madrid have refused to comment on any interest in Steven Gerrard.

Real Madrid have refused to comment on any interest in Steven Gerrard's contractual situation at Liverpool.

The Spanish giants are known admirers of the England international although the Reds captain may no longer be a priority capture this summer.

As talks over a new deal at Anfield have stalled, Real and Chelsea are being strongly forwarded as possible destinations for the 25-year-old.

However, a Real spokesman told skysports.com that there would be no comment regarding any interest in Gerrard.

"Gerrard is a player of Liverpool and Real always give respect to all the other clubs," said a spokesman.

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has echoed his sentiments in the press conference unveiling Boudewijn Zenden by telling Spanish journalists afterwards that he desperately wants Gerrard to stay.

Although acknowledging there is bound to be interest in the midfielder, Benitez is adamant that everything must be done to keep him on Merseyside.

"My objective is to keep Gerrard with me because it is necessary for Liverpool to have a star," he asserted.

"I dismiss the stories of any possible interest from me in his exit.

"It's uncertain. I can understand that the great European clubs are interested in Gerrard.

"The future is a personal decision of the player but, in the football world, not only is money the important question but also the senses, first and foremost."