Gerrard's future has been the subject of speculation once again this week with his name being linked to Real Madrid, but Benitez said after Saturday's 3-1 home win over Aston Villa there was no way that would happen.

"It is clear that I will not be selling my captain," said Benitez whose relations with the 26-year-old Gerrard are reported to be cool.

"It is always a surprise to see such things that are not true. Especially for Steven because he had played such a good game.

"Against Villa he worked really hard, so to see this the following day is a surprise, disappointing that this is all that people can think of.

"This week we have been talking with Steven, and last week. He was okay, we were talking about his daughter and how she is, as well as team issues and how we can give the team more confidence.

"I feel he is really focused on the club, and our idea for sure is to keep him and to see him scoring goals this season and for many years for Liverpool.''

Gerrard spent the last week worried about his six-month-old daughter Lexi, who has been in hospital recovering from symptoms similar to meningitis.

He was at her bedside last Saturday night, just hours ahead of the defeat at Manchester United, where his performance was roundly criticised.

But Gerrard's display against Villa, and the warm hand-shake he exchanged with his manager at the end, suggested he was much happier than a week ago.