Rafa keen to keep Spanish stopper

Rafa Benitez is reportedly planning to keep defender Alvaro Arbeloa at Liverpool despite admitting he needs to sell before he can buy.

Following the arrival of £20million hitman Robbie Keane, the Reds boss revealed on Tuesday that he is still looking to strengthen his squad at Anfield this summer, sparking suggestions that a renewed raid for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry could be on the cards.

However, Benitez knows he will have to offload one or more players before he could contemplate splashing out big money on Barry or anyone else.

Despite that it seems 25-year-old Spanish international Arbeloa, who was reportedly set for a return back to his homeland in a £7million switch to Sevilla, will not be one of the players sacrificed this close season.

Reports claim Benitez has scotched rumours that Arbeloa wants to move back to Spain due to personal reasons, while also confirming he is still very much a part of his plans at Anfield.