Benitez rules out Real Madrid move

Rafa Benitez insists he is focused on and committed to Liverpool despite continual links with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Spanish press have reported this week that Fernando Martin, the new president at the Bernabeu, wants Benitez to lead his side in their quest for honours next season.

Martin regards the current campaign as a failure with the Madrid giants facing a Champions League exit at hands of Arsenal as well as trailing arch rivals Barcelona in the Primera Liga by 10 points

Benitez has made it known that he wants to take control of the 'galacticos' in his career, but he has now told the Liverpool Echo that he is fully committed to the job at Anfield.

"I have a clear idea whenever anyone in Spain talks about this," Benitez said. "I am focused on three competitions with my club, Liverpool. I want to win every game. I hear information from Spain, but my priority is the next game against Charlton, the Champions League and the FA Cup."

Meanwhile, West Ham are reportedly prepared to offer up to £8million for Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Aldo Duscher.

The Argentine hard man has been a reported target for Manchester United in recent months as they try to replace Roy Keane. But now the resurgent Hammers have emerged as major contenders for his signature.

Marca claims that Duscher has been informed of the West Ham bid by his representatives, although he personally would prefer a move to Old Trafford.

But his final destination could be swung by the fact the Hammers have made signing him their top priority, while United have other options.

Alan Pardew is a big Duscher fan and has only recently signed his Deportivo team-mate Lionel Scaloni on loan for the rest of the season.

Duscher of course is famous in this country for the challenge that almost put David Beckham out of the 2002 World Cup finals.

Instead United are reportedly lining up a £6million bid for St Etienne's Didier Zokora. According to the Daily Mirror manager Sir Alex Ferguson sent his top European spy to watch Zokora in action for the Ivory Coast in their 3-2 defeat in Spain on Wednesday.

The midfielder was extremely impressive for his country in January's African Nations Cup where they reached the final and is expected to be one of their leading lights in the World Cup this summer.

Zokora, who plays in France for St.Etienne, was originally priced at £10m but Ferguson has been promised funds to spend for next season.