Yossi Benayoun has distanced himself from a move to European Champions Barcelona, but admits he will have to discuss his future with Liverpool.

It has been claimed that the Catalan side have enquired about Benayoun, in the same week that fellow Reds midfielder Javier Mascherano was linked with Barça. "At the moment I am a Liverpool player," the Israel international said. "Unless something surprising happens, I will remain one. But after such a good season, I have had some offers from England and Spain."

The slender schemer's Anfield arrival was barely noted, drowned out by the fanfare accompanying Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres. Unveiled on the same day as the Dutch international, few of the Anfield faithful would have imagined it would be Benayoun who was Benitez's joker in the pack.

Yet the Israel international returns to Upton Park on Saturday to face West Ham, the side he took a 50 per cent pay cut to leave, knowing that none of his more illustrious team-mates have made a more telling contribution in Liverpool's best league season for a decade. His injury-time winner at Fulham was arguably the most important strike in Benitez's side's season.

He is the first name on Torres's notional teamsheet – "I need a player like him with a quality pass, always looking for the striker. I always say to him that if I was manager, he'd always play," according to the Spanish striker – and Benitez is clearly delighted with his impact.

"We knew when we bought him that he was a very good player, but players of his type are normally less consistent than others.

"Yossi is in a positive cycle right now. He is playing well, which means you can keep him on the pitch for longer and that gives him more confidence," he said.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed he plans to offer Yossi Benayoun a new contract.

The 28-year-old Israel international has scored some vital goals for the Reds this season in his 38 appearances in all competitions.

Benayoun has already started more Premier League games this year than in his first season at Anfield and Benitez has been delighted by the contribution for the former West Ham United midfielder.

"I think if he is happy, then he will be okay here," Benitez told The Independent.

"Yossi now is playing, so I'm sure he is happy. We've had no real approaches for him.

"Now he is playing more games, has more confidence and you can see the quality that he has."

Regarding a potential new deal, Benitez added: "I have to talk to him but he is contracted for another two years."

AMID the hullabaloo of Liverpools faintly ridiculous 4-4 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday night, there was one part of a dramatic story in danger of being overlooked.

Much has rightly been made of Andrey Arshavins remarkable four-goal haul, Fernando Torress expertly-taken brace, the home teams blundering defence and the late salvation for Rafael Benitezs side.

But the contribution of Yossi Benayoun was influential in helping the Anfield outfit claim a point that keeps their Premier League title dream alive.

The Israeli scored twice, including the injury-time equaliser, tangible reward for a man-of-the-match performance, particularly after switching from the right wing to play behind Torres in the second half.

Benayoun has been in fine form since the turn of the year, scoring six times in 13 appearances including late winners at both Real Madrid and Fulham.

With Steven Gerrard having missed the last three games with the adductor injury that again sidelines him out for this afternoons visit to struggling Hull City, Benayouns creativity has become more evident.

And Benitez acknowledges the part the attacking midfielder is playing during the championship run-in.

Benayoun was becoming a key player for us by coming off the bench and scoring crucial goals, and now he is playing more games, has more confidence and you can see the quality that he has, says the Liverpool manager.

He was playing well with Stevie in the team. But now because Gerrard is not there, we can see more of Benayoun. But he was playing well beforehand, too.

The squad is better and we have good players that are performing well. When you have Gerrard and Torres playing then it is always easier, but when you dont have them then you can see the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Albert Riera and Benayoun becoming a big part in the success of the team.

Benayoun was reportedly close to leaving Anfield both in the summer and the January transfer window amid grumbles of a lack of first-team opportunities.

But Benitez says: I think if he is happy, then he will be okay here. Yossi now is playing, so Im sure he is happy. Weve had no real approaches for him.

Of a new deal for the 28-year-old, the Spaniard adds: I have to talk to him but he is contracted for another two years.

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun insists that the club have not ruled out the possibility of winning the Premier League trophy this season.

The Reds' quest to lift their first English championship since the 1989/90 campaign was dealt a huge blow on Tuesday evening after they played out a 4-4 draw at home to Arsenal.

While the result took them back to the top of the table ahead of Manchester United on goal difference, the Red Devils can go six points clear of the Merseyside outfit if they win their two games in hand.

The 72-time capped Israel international admits Liverpool now face an uphill challenge to win the Premier League, but says they will not give up until it is mathematically impossible for them to do so.

"It's very difficult. United are a strong side but we won't give up and we will continue to try and do our best," Benayoun told the club's official website.

"We will keep trying, look to win our remaining matches, and hopefully we can still do it."