Rafael Benitez plays down Kenwyne Jones row

11 April 2012

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez played down claims by Sunderland counterpart Steve Bruce that the club have been "disrespectful" in their attempts to sign Black Cats striker Kenwyne Jones.

Bruce said last week that the Reds had tried to unsettle the Trinidad and Tobago international, whom Benitez is believed to want to sign on loan to cover for a six-week lay-off to striker Fernando Torres.

Benitez today insisted he had not been involved at all in any negotiations and was concentrating on football matters.

"I was not dealing with this," said the Liverpool boss.

"(Managing director) Christian Purslow has been talking with (Sunderland chairman) Niall Quinn so they have to manage the situation because I was not doing anything.

"I prefer not to talk too much because we will create a debate so Christian and Niall will continue to talk if they need to talk.

"They were in contact but I don't know what the situation is now."

On Friday, Bruce said: "I find it hugely disrespectful, the antics of Liverpool and this constant badgering of Kenwyne Jones, when we as a club haven't heard anything.

"I don't know whether they are serious or whether Rafa is playing games with his board. It might be power games at Liverpool."

Privately Liverpool are understood to be angry at Bruce's comments, particularly as it is understood preliminary talks have been taking place between the clubs since last month.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic, who reports claim has been offered a contract for the summer, but Benitez refused to comment.

"When they talk about us the radar is very big with 100 players all around the world," he said.

"They are names but we don't talk about players. All I can tell you is he (Jovanovic) is a good player."

Benitez did reveal, however, that goalkeeper Jose Reina, Liverpool's best player this season, is to be offered a new contract, possibly for as long as five years.

"We have had a conversation with his agent and we know his idea, he knows our idea, and conversations will continue," said the Reds boss.

"I think it will be easy to finalise and have an agreement."

Benitez has more pressing matters to deal with as he takes his side to Wolves tomorrow looking to extend a four-match unbeaten run.

Victory at Molineux, combined with results going their way elsewhere, would see Liverpool move into the top-four place which the Spanish manager "guaranteed" would be theirs come the end of the season.

Benitez could welcome back captain Steven Gerrard from a hamstring problem for the game after he returned to training ahead of schedule after missing two matches.

In Gerrard's absence the team have shown their battling qualities as they were denied victory at Stoke only by a last-minute equaliser but bounced back to defeat fourth-placed Tottenham last Wednesday.

Benitez wants that commitment to continue even with the skipper back in the side.

"It will be a typical, physical Premier League game but in terms of our commitment and the mentality it has to be the same," Benitez added.

"When you see the players working so hard it is clear they are taking responsibility.

"Gerrard has had [injury] problems during the season but it is good for us the captain is coming back.

"It is always important for us because he can change games. If he can see the team is working so hard he will be a key player not just because of his quality but his mentality on the pitch.

"The mood is very positive and everyone wants to be involved. You can see we have more confidence but, in football, you have to win the next game.

"I am pleased to see the team in this position."

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