Benayoun has not agreed Chelsea deal

YOSSI BENAYOUN has not agreed terms with Chelsea, despite reports from his homeland.

The Israeli international has long been rumoured as a target for the Premier League champions and suggestions a deal had been struck between the player and London club gathered pace yesterday.

But the Daily Post understands such talk is wide of the mark with Liverpool having yet to receive any formal offer rendering claims of personal agreements as no more than rumours at this stage.

Benayoun, bought by former manager Rafael Benitez in 2007 for £5million from West Ham United, is valued at double that fee by the Anfield club, according to some reports, with Chelsea believed to be only willing to pay up to £4m.

Talk intensified after it was revealed Joe Cole is leaving Stamford Bridge and according to the Sport 5 website in Israel, 30-year-old Benayoun has verbally agreed a four-year contract but Liverpool sources have poured scorn on the suggestions saying any potential deal is still some way off.

Though a transfer, which would pave a return to London for Benayoun who spent two seasons at Upton Park and see an increase in his weekly wage, is likely to be finalised when Liverpool find a replacement for the departed Benitez.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.