Benitez: Xavi for keeps

Rafa Benitez has issued a stark warning to anyone thinking of tempting Xavi Alonso away from Anfield.

The Liverpool chief is well aware that Real and Barcelona have been showing an interest in the Spanish international and has no intention of letting him go especially after an impressive season.

Xavi nearly left Liverpool last summer to join Juventus and as Rafa reveals, Alonso isn't going anywhere.

“We had an offer from Juventus and asked a big price as he is a big player. They couldn’t meet it.

“Xabi is having a good season and is a key player. He’s a player we want to keep.”

If Liverpool want to build on this season's title momentum then they have to keep big players and with a statement like this, it looks like Benitez as every intention of being a big player again next season.