Valencia have told Liverpool to forget about the possibility of luring coach Rafael Benitez to Anfield.

The 44-year-old has emerged as one of the favourites for the Reds hotseat following Gerard Houllier's 'exit' on Monday.

Benitez has become one of the hottest properties in the business after leading the Spanish outfit to both the La Liga and UEFA Cup crowns.

Subsequently, the Valencia board are desperate to keep him at the club, with president Jaime Orti telling PA International: "Benitez has one more year left on his contract with Valencia and our intention is to extend our relationship with him even further.

"He will coach Valencia next season. I don't think these rumours have any substance."