Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Spain.

The 25-year-old, who arrived from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2004, has instead vowed to play his part in reeling in second-placed Chelsea in the Premiership.

Alonso said: "I do not speak about the rumours of my return to Spain. I have a contract signed with the Reds and I am happy at this club.

"Now Liverpool are playing to our best level of the season. This is perfect for the beginning of the year with the next big challenges.

"To get to third place is very important for morale for us after the problems in the first months of the league. Now our objective is to consolidate the effort."

Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd has rejected a £5 million bid for striker Ashley Young.

Boothroyd also turned down two other offers for Young, who has been the outstanding outfield player during the Hornets' difficult season in the Premiership.

Boothroyd had always insisted the highly-rated Young would not be sold during January.

"I have had three Premiership clubs on the phone making verbal bids for Ashley Young, but I have turned them all down," said Boothroyd.

"As it stands today, I absolutely do not see him leaving the club this month.

"But tomorrow, Ashley might come up to me and say: 'I've had enough.' But he is not daft, and he knows this is the best place for him to be.

"I know there will be people who have agendas to have Ashley moved on, and I understand that. But, thankfully, the people surrounding him are good people, and Ashley is a very level-headed, talented young man.

"If and when the time is right, and he wants to go, he will go. But the price has to be right, and it has to mean the club will be improved."

Young is an England under-21 international who has scored four times for Watford this season.