Liverpool have insisted Sami Hyypia is not for sale, amid rumours that the Finnish international might sign for Barcelona this summer.

Hyypia is known to be one of Barca’s targets, with president Juan Laporta confirming that the 30-year-old was ‘on the list’ of central defenders the Catalans wanted to buy.

But Liverpool have flatly denied they are interested in doing a deal, and a club spokesman stated: “Sami Hyypia is just not for sale, it is as simple as that, and we have had no contact with Barcelona.”

Indeed it’s thought new coach Rafael Benitez is planning to add to his defensive options rather than deplete them. Milan’s Fabricio Coloccini may well be one of the new faces in Liverpool’s rearguard next season. He told the Sun newspaper he is in talks with the club about a move and would relish the opportunity to play in the Premiership:

“I’m proud a club the size of Liverpool rates me, I really like British football and follow it a lot,” said Coloccini.

And for the coach who won the Spanish championship to ask for me – given all the players in Spain – is a boost.”