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Benitez and Chelsea's Jose Mourinho have been among coaches linked to Madrid as a replacement for Fabio Capello. "It's important the fans know I am completely committed to Liverpool Football Club and I'm going nowhere," Benitez said on Thursday.

The Liverpool manager came to the Premier League from Valencia in 2004, but was born in Madrid and played for Real Madrid. "I know there's been a lot of speculation in the Spanish media linking me with Real Madrid," Benitez said. "Any manager would be honored to be associated with such a famous club, especially as Madrid is my home city and also my former club.

"However, I want to make it clear I am very happy at Anfield and very happy in England and I'm genuinely excited by what the future holds for Liverpool."

Tom Hicks, who is close to finalizing ownership of Liverpool along with fellow investor George Gillett Jr, said Benitez "absolutely" remained in the club's plans and that the sides will discuss the manager's future after the March 31 match against Arsenal.

"I'll have all my family there, George will have all his family there and we'll celebrate our first game as new owners," Hicks told Radio Five Live. "Then, we've set aside the day to talk about things."