Benitez refutes Alonso-Real talk

Reports from Spain claimed that the former Real Socieded man is tipped for a Primera Liga return, this time to the Bernabeu.

But Benitez has set the record straight that the Spain schemer is not for sale.

"It's very clear, Xabi has three years left and we do not want to sell him," he told Liverpool's official site.

Rafa's assistant Sammy Lee reaffirmed the Spaniard's view regarding Alonso's exit from Anfield.

"The talk about Alonso (going to Real Madrid) is pure speculation. You cannot prevent talk," Lee added.

"But we always want to keep the spine of the team, our very best players."