Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says the signing of £17million right-back Glen Johnson this week does not necessarily mean Alvaro Arbeloa’s career at Anfield has come to an end.

Arbeloa has been linked with an £8million move to Real Madrid with only one year remaining on his contract at Liverpool.

But Benitez says he is hopeful of convincing the Spanish international to stay.

He said, “Arbeloa was a good player for us last year. He has one year left on his contract and we have offered him an extension and we’re talking.

“He is our player but if there is a good offer we have to consider it.

“We have two or three clubs asking about him. He would like to stay but he knows the competition will be hard.”