Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed he plans to offer Yossi Benayoun a new contract at Anfield.
Benayoun has impressed in recent weeks in the absence of Steven Gerrard, with the diminutive Israeli popping up with a number of key goals.
The skilful attacker has voiced his frustration at not being able to hold down a regular place in Benitez's plans since his arrival in 2007, but this season has arguably been his most consistent in a red shirt.
Benayoun's former club West Ham have been credited with an interest in luring him back to Upton Park, but Benitez insists there has been no approaches for the player and that he wants to tie down the 28-year-old to a long-term deal.
"I think if he is happy, then he will be okay here," Benitez is quoted as saying in The Independent.
"Yossi now is playing, so I'm sure he is happy.
"We've had no real approaches for him.
"Now he is playing more games, has more confidence and you can see the quality that he has.
"I have to talk to him [about a new contract] but he is contracted for another two years."
Benitez is also confident Daniel Agger will agree a new deal to stay on Merseyside.
Agger's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time as contract talks have been dragging on.
Reports over the weekend suggested the Danish international had rejected Liverpool's latest offer, but Benitez claims talks are progressing well and he remains hopeful the centre back will sign a new contract.
"I think that we are closer," said Benitez of Agger's contract talks.
Benayoun has impressed in recent weeks in the absence of Steven Gerrard, with the diminutive Israeli popping up with a number of key goals.
The skilful attacker has voiced his frustration at not being able to hold down a regular place in Benitez's plans since his arrival in 2007, but this season has arguably been his most consistent in a red shirt.
Benayoun's former club West Ham have been credited with an interest in luring him back to Upton Park, but Benitez insists there has been no approaches for the player and that he wants to tie down the 28-year-old to a long-term deal.
"I think if he is happy, then he will be okay here," Benitez is quoted as saying in The Independent.
"Yossi now is playing, so I'm sure he is happy.
"We've had no real approaches for him.
"Now he is playing more games, has more confidence and you can see the quality that he has.
"I have to talk to him [about a new contract] but he is contracted for another two years."
Benitez is also confident Daniel Agger will agree a new deal to stay on Merseyside.
Agger's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time as contract talks have been dragging on.
Reports over the weekend suggested the Danish international had rejected Liverpool's latest offer, but Benitez claims talks are progressing well and he remains hopeful the centre back will sign a new contract.
"I think that we are closer," said Benitez of Agger's contract talks.
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