Rafa Benitez has scoffed at rumours that he was set to quit Liverpool due to a lack of financial backing from his board.

Liverpool thumped Stoke City 4-0 at Anfield on Wednesday, affording the Reds boss some comfort after losing 2-1 to Tottenham over the weekend.

UK bookmakers were reported to have stopped taking bets on him resigning in an intense afternoon of speculation.

However, even though Benitez desperately needs more funds to add pieces to his team, the former Valencia coach is adamant that his side will still challenge for the Barclays Premier League title, with or without any new arrivals.

"I was told about the rumours, that maybe something happened here at Anfield, but I will tell the fans I want to stay - my commitment is 100 per cent," Benitez said.

"If I can improve the squad I will be pleased, but if I can't then I will stay to try and compete with the squad that we have."

"I can state I am committed to this club. When I signed a new contract I decided to stay here for the fans, for the staff for the players.

"We will try to get what we can, we will try to do what we can."