Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has described reports he has demanded a US$98 million transfer kitty as "total rubbish".

The Daily Mirror reported on Tuesday that Benitez "will risk more Anfield aggro by demanding US$98 million for big-name transfers".

They claimed Benitez wanted David Villa, David Silva, Gareth Barry and Dani Alves - though the last name was later removed from the online version of the story as he has agreed to join Barcelona.

That has caused particular amusement to Benitez, who told the Liverpool Echo: "The stories are ridiculous. Total rubbish.

"They have me trying to sign Daniel Alves, who already has an agreement with Barcelona, so how could I be trying to sign him?

"I am working hard with (chief executive) Rick Parry, who is in regular contact with the Americans, and there are no problems.

"The reports are just unbelievable."