Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has dismissed suggestions that he has to sell midfielder Xabi Alonso in order to accommodate Gareth Barry, the Aston Villa skipper is reportedly a top target for the Reds.

Spain international Alonso has struggled to show his peak form this season after returning from a lengthy injury layoff. And as such, has been speculated to be one of the players that could be offloaded in the summer with Juventus said to be eyeing the former Real Sociedad man.

Benitez rubbished the speculation, saying in The Independent: "(Alonso) is our player, he has a contract. Barry can play in three different positions, so I don't think we need to worry about this."