Midfielder Benayoun has been linked with Roma, and the Italian club have been making loud noises that the Israeli will be joining them.

Kuyt had become a surprise target of German club Hamburg, with a possible £16million price tag.

But Benitez said on Thursday: "Neither of them will be leaving."

It had been suggested that the Anfield boss would let both go to finance a deal for Gareth Barry.

But he has held talks with both players, and said: "It is true that Roma are interested in Yossi.

"I have talked to him and told him I want to keep him. He is a player with quality and has shown that during pre-season.

"I have no more news about Yossi - he will be staying with us. I also talked with Dirk Kuyt this morning. I am really pleased with him and he will be staying with us."

Benitez seems no nearer having the capital to conclude the £18million move for Barry, after Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill gave the green light to the deal - if the terms are right for Villa - at the weekend.

It seems now that Benitez will look to sell Jermaine Pennant and Andriy Voronin to finance the move.