Crouch stays, insists Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has insisted he has no intention of selling Peter Crouch and bringing Valencia target man David Villa to Anfield in the January transfer window.

Crouch has been the subject of heightened transfer speculation since failing to take his chances during his side's 1-0 defeat to Blackburn at Ewood Park on Boxing Day. But Benitez dismissed rumours of Villa's imminent arrival and said Crouch remained an integral part of his plans.

Benitez said: "I can be very clear - we do not want to buy Villa and we do not want to sell Peter Crouch. Villa is a fantastic player but we are not interested in buying him now."

Crouch cut an abject figure when he was replaced by Dutchman Dirk Kuyt against Rovers but the Reds boss added he was satisfied with the big striker's effort and backed him to get back to scoring goals.

Benitez said: "He is working hard and the only thing you can do with a striker in this situation is continue to support him. If he continues to work as he has been doing, I will be happy.

"You can never say you are really pleased with the strikers because it is important to take your chances. But the important thing to say to all of your strikers is just to keep going."

Benitez admitted he may do little business in the transfer market, although the arrival of Australian full-back Lucas Neill from Blackburn appears to have moved closer.

Benitez added: "If you are a top side and you can do something you must always look for improvement but at the moment we are happy with the squad we have got and they are all playing well."