Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery had been backed in to odds-on favouritism to join Liverpool following a summer of speculation over his future.

However, Benitez has seemingly ruled out a move for the France international, who has previously stated he would either stay at Bayern or join Real Madrid.

Having spent in the region of £17m to sign Glen Johnson from Portsmouth, Benitez is not planning any more major transfer deals.

"I will be really pleased if we can keep this squad together because I don't think we need to do too many things," said Benitez.

"I don't think we'll be signing anyone else for big, big money, just maybe the ones who can fit into our team.

"Right now we are just thinking of improving the fitness of the players, not thinking about the transfer market.

"We have the quality there and we will have our chances again."

Benitez has added to his squad though by bringing in 18-year-old full-back Chris Mavinga from Paris St Germain.