RAFAEL BENITEZ has finally ended ongoing speculation that he wants to add Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi to his Liverpool squad this summer.

The 24-year-old Argentinian international has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time – and the player’s advisor, Eduardo Rossetto, claimed yesterday: “Liverpool’s proposal is true.

“Napoli general director Pierpaolo Marino has met twice with FIFA agent Pablo Cosentino, who has invited him to set up a meeting in Liverpool or in Naples with the English outfit.

“Ezequiel has tried several times to speak to Marino but he has received no response.

"If Napoli have decided to take this extreme position, so will we.

“We don’t want to force Napoli to sell the player but I think it is correct for the club just to consider the offer, to judge it whether it’s sufficient or not.”

Liverpool manager Benitez, however, replied: “We never contacted Lavezzi and we have no intention of doing so.

"We want to put a stop to these rumours.”

Liverpool meanwhile, have confirmed the appointment of John McMahon to their backroom staff as reserve team head coach.