Crouch is not for sale, insists Benitez

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez insists Peter Crouch is not for sale but has to earn himself a new contract.

The Spaniard was reacting to growing speculation that Manchester City will try to sign the England forward in the January transfer window.

Crouch has 18 months of his current contract still to run, and there is a growing fear at Anfield he may see out that deal without signing a new one and be able to leave for nothing – just like Steve McManaman once did at Liverpool.

Benitez, who may well use Crouch from the start on Sunday at home to Bolton, has made it clear he has not been offered a new deal yet, and the player has not intimated that he would reject such an offer.

This uncertainty over his future has increased rumours that City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is waiting to pounce. Benitez said: “Peter knows how to win a new contract. He has to work really hard, play very well and score a lot of goals. So he has a chance to win a new contract because he can do all of this.

Crouch has revealed this week that he will “do everything” to stay at Anfield, and Benitez clearly does not want the giant hitman to leave.

He said: “In a top side you need good players, but they cannot play every game, that is impossible.

“Crouch is a key player for us, we do not want to sell him.

‘‘But when someone is not playing every game other clubs ask about them.

He added: “Manchester City have done well this season, and they have some money to spend. But they will not have Peter Crouch.”

It is a welcome relief for Benitez to be discussing someone else’s Liverpool future, rather than his own.

The Spaniard now expects to have talks with Foster Gillett, co-owner George’s son, who has been installed at Anfield to work alongside chief executive Rick Parry.

Benitez said: “My position is to just enjoy the last game. I have not had the chance yet to talk with Foster Gillett but I will do, and I have also talked again with Rick Parry.