Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has poured cold water on suggestions that Robbie Keane could leave Liverpool during the January transfer window.

The Republic of Ireland front man has not really yet hit top form since his €23million move from Tottenham and with Fernando Torres currently sidelined by a hamstring problem, much more responsibility for leading the line has been put on Keane.

.Parry, though, maintains off-loading Keane is not on the agenda. "He is a great player with a fantastic track record. Maybe it has taken him a little bit longer than both he and we would have anticipated for him to settle in, but I can still see that corner being turned with ease.

"I can't see it (Keane being sold). You can never say never in football, because you never know what the next month or year will hold.

"But as I see it, he will not be going anywhere. He is certainly a Liverpool player for the foreseeable future."

Parry also admitted that Rafael Benitez is "very close" to sealing a new contract extension with Liverpool.

The Spaniard has been Reds boss for four-and-a-half years — during which time he has won the Champions League — and has 18 months of his current deal still to run.

Benitez has told his club's American owners he is looking for a contract which will allow him to be part of the "long-term future" of the Merseyside club and wants assurances over boardroom stability.

Liverpool top the Premier League heading into this afternoon's clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium — a match which Benitez may be forced to miss as he recovers from surgery to remove kidney stones.

Nevertheless, an announcement on his future could be made shortly.

Parry said: "He is nearly there. The owners have made a commitment and said they wanted to extend and keep him. Clearly he wants to stay, so yes it will be done.

"We have had a few hold-ups this week with his unfortunate illness. That has slightly got in the way, but it won't be very long now. I cannot be specific, but it is very close now."