Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has dismissed speculation
linking him with a summer move for Spain star David Silva.
David Silva and David Villa are hot properties.
Reports this week have suggested the Premier League title hopefuls
are preparing a bid for the highly-rated playmaker, whose current
employers, Valencia, are struggling under the weight of their
massive debt.
Silva, 23, who can operate as a winger, attacking midfielder or
second striker appears certain to depart the Spanish club this
summer.
But it will not be to join the Reds, according to Benitez, who
revealed he is not among the list of close-season targets being
prepared by the Anfield hierarchy.
"We will not be signing him," he said. "We are working hard,
talking with the scouting department and looking at names and
options for next season. It's still too soon (to identify definite
targets), but we are working hard."
Following a miraculous fortnight for the Merseysiders, Liverpool
could go top of the Premier League in eight days' time if they
manage to avoid defeat at Fulham.
But Benitez has called for focus from players and supporters, who
would be forgiven for dreaming of a first title in 19 years after
the recent thrashings of Manchester United and Aston Villa, plus
the Champions League annihilation of Real Madrid.
"Football can change very quickly and that is why we say it is
important to just take one game at a time," he told the club
website.
"Everything can change each week and maybe next week we can be at
the top again.
"My message to the fans is to keep calm. I can see the people have
a lot of confidence at the moment and that is good. We have to stay
positive and see what happens."
Meanwhile, five members of Liverpool's backroom staff have followed
Benitez in committing their long-term futures to the club.
Nine days ago, Benitez signed until 2014 following weeks of
speculation over his demands and vision for the best way forward
after a couple of turbulent seasons on Merseyside.
The Spaniard's lead has now been followed by assistant manager
Sammy Lee, first-team coach Mauricio Pellegrino, goalkeeping coach
Xavi Valero, fitness coach Paco de Miguel and chief scout Eduardo
Macia - all of whom have agreed contract extensions of at least two
years.
"I said when I signed my own deal recently that it was a priority
to sort out the future of the technical staff," said Benitez. "We
work extremely well as a team, and continuity is essential if we
are to build on the progress we have made this season and move the
club further forward.
"I'm delighted we have been able to sort out the contracts."