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Benitez on Benayoun: 'We want Yossi here' By Haaretz Correspondent and Agencies , By Uzi Dann Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez may not give Yossi Benayoun the playing he wants, but he does seem to have taken a shine the scrawny midfielder who captains Israel's national team. This weekend, Benitez dismissed Benayoun's statement last week that he would consider leaving the club if he does not get more minutes on the pitch. The Reds' boss insists he has no intention of letting the midfielder go, saying, "If he stays here until the end of his contract, I will be very pleased. We want Yossi here." Advertisement Benitez has dismissed claims that both Benayoun and defender Martin Skrtel, out following a knee operation, are unhappy at Anfield. "If you are asked whether you want to play more, then obviously you say yes. If you are asked if you are unhappy not playing, then you say yes. Then if you are asked that if a bid comes in and you are offered lots more money, you will probably say you'd be interested," he said. "But I have been speaking to Yossi and he is happy here. He is a player I like, he can change games. He scores goals and he has a lot of assists," he added. "If he does not want to stay here, okay, we will find a solution to the problem. Now he is okay and ready for playing. I will not want to see any offer for him." Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow CEO Valery Karpin told Russian media this weekend that there was no basis to rumors that Benayoun was headed to his club. Dekel Keinan, Maccabi Haifa's 24-year-old back, has also been mentioned as a possible prospect for Spartak. Keinan is considered one of the best young defenders in Israel, showcasing his talents for the U-21 squad that advanced to the 2007 European Championships. Keinan reportedly drew interest from English Premiership side Bolton Wanderers in January of last year, but those talks dissolved after it was discovered he would be unable to obtain an English work permit. Tottenham Hotspur has also reportedly courted the young defender. Another Israeli whose name has popped up in the European rumor mill is national team keeper Dudu Awat. The former La Coruna keeper and current free agent has been named as a leading contender to replace Timo Hildebrand at Spanish rival Valencia. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Mikaeel Jackson Report: Pop star Michael Jackson converts to Islam. Peace now Abbas calls on Obama to enact Arab peace plan as soon as he takes office.

Read & React 20,000 Jewish pilgrims to descend on Hebron amid settler violence Responses: 222 Experts argue: How close is Iran to its first nuclear weapon? Responses: 135 Video: Prof. Avi Shlaim says settlements turn Israel into Apartheid state Responses: 181 Debate over Museum of Tolerance - an exchange Responses: 23 PLO official Yasser Abed Rabbo: The Palestinian people need Obama's help Responses: 76 Gideon Levy: Israeli left was born in sin and died because of a lie Responses: 91 More Headlines 21:39 Settler teens attack Border police in Hebron 21:55 Qassams strike western Negev in latest threat to fragile truce 00:20 Obama's Mideast peace platform is coming into focus 15:00 Abbas calls on Obama to enact Arab peace plan as soon as he takes office 22:13 Top Israeli diplomats in Turkey kicked out of Istanbul university 22:49 Hollywood in Netanya: Ben Stiller and Chris Rock in coastal city for 'Madagascar 2' premiere 01:12 Saudi Arabia denies report it offered asylum to Taliban leader 00:22 Hezbollah: 'Zionist Lobby' behind Germany's decision to ban Al-Manar TV station 10:08 Iran executes man convicted of spying for Israel 23:00 Visiting Argentine president offers Libya help with nuclear power 13:11 Your land is my land 20:47 Report: Pop star Michael Jackson converts to Islam 19:59 Peru police nab Israeli for plotting to smuggle a half a ton of cocaine to Europe 13:10 Report: Hezbollah carries out military drills in south Lebanon 16:10 Syria: No more UN visits to alleged nuclear site Previous Editions Select Day 21 nov 20 nov 19 nov 18 nov 17 nov 16 nov 14 nov 13 nov 12 nov 11 nov 10 nov 09 nov

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