RAFAEL BENITEZ is eager for Yossi Benayoun to stay at Liverpool – but can understand the Israel international’s disappoint-ment at his lack of first-team action this season.

Benayoun, a £5million arrival from West Ham United in July 2007, admitted earlier this week that he has become unsettled by a lack of opportunities this season.

The midfielder has appeared in 16 of Liver-pool’s 21 games this season, but has started just seven.

Ajax, Manchester City, Roma and Spartak Moscow have all been linked with a move for the 28-year-old during the past six months.

But Benitez said yesterday: “If you are asked whether you want to play more, then obviously you say yes. If you are asked if you are unhappy not playing, then you say yes.

“Then if you are asked that if a bid comes in and you are offered lots more money, you will probably say you’d be interested. But I have been speaking to Yossi and he is happy here. He is a player I like, he can change games. He scores goals and he has a lot of assists. If he stays here until the end of his contract I will be very pleased. We want Yossi here. But if he does not want to stay here, okay, we will find a solution to the problem. But now he is okay and ready for playing. I will not want to see any offer for him.”