Benitez rules out big money buys

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez does not expect to make any further signings for “big, big money” and has insisted his side needs just some minor tweaks ahead of the new Premier League season. Benitez has brought in full-back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for €19million and he added French youngster Chris Mavinga from Paris Saint Germain to his defensive options yesterday

Earlier in the week, however, a dramatic shift in betting odds suggested Liverpool were on the verge of an audacious move for France winger Franck Ribery.

The Bayern Munich player had been backed in to odds-on favouritism to move to Anfield, but Benitez has ruled out a move for a player who has previously stated he would either stay at Bayern or join Real Madrid.

"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's priority is trying to keep Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso at Anfield, with the midfield duo consistently linked with a move to Spain.

Mavinga follows in the footsteps of David Ngog in leaving Paris for Liverpool following the striker's switch last summer.

Meanwhile, winger Nabil El Zhar has become the latest player to sign a new deal at Anfield.

The Moroccan international has inked a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2012.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Reds from St Etienne in 2006, enjoyed his best season to date with Liverpool last term.

El Zhar made 19 appearances for Liverpool last season, mainly off the bench. He joins Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger and Yossi Benayoun in agreeing new deals at Anfield.