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Hodgson vents his anger at Benitez over Kuyt

Roy Hodgson is far from happy with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez © Getty Images

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Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson's anger at Inter Milan's interest in Dirk Kuyt has led to him claiming that ex-Reds boss Rafael Benitez would be reneging on an agreement not to raid Anfield for former players.

Hodgson continues to deny any knowledge of Kuyt wanting to leave despite suggestions by his agent that talks between the two clubs are continuing.

"Dirk has not expressed that sentiment to me," said Hodgson, who insisted the assurances he had received from Inter president Massimo Moratti last week that the Italians were not intending to buy any Liverpool players still held firm.

"When he left the club Rafael Benitez signed an agreement that he would not poach players from Liverpool. We haven't received an offer from any club so this is something obviously going on behind the scenes, with the agent possibly talking to the manager of Inter Milan.

"We don't welcome any offers, we haven't received an offer and at this late stage of the transfer window it would be remarkably unusual for us to accept an offer for a player we don't want to leave for money we don't need.

"I would suggest, with respect, if his agent had a serious plan to move him to the club he should have been working during the last four to five weeks and not the last few days. It is highly unlikely we could receive any offer from another club which we could seriously entertain."

Kuyt's agent Rob Jansen had claimed in the Dutch press that negotiations were on-going.

"The two clubs continue to talk, but things are moving slowly," he said. "The difference between demand and offer is important.

"It is something between the clubs but Dirk told Liverpool he no longer wants to be involved as this is something that regards his career and life. It doesn't mean he wants to leave at all costs, but when a club like Inter comes along it's normal to look into the situation further."

The future of Javier Mascherano is no nearer being resolved with the midfielder again left out of the squad after Barcelona's £16million bid was rejected.

But Hodgson said he hoped there would be a conclusion one way or the other in the next few days and did not rule out selecting the Argentina captain for Sunday's Premier League match at home to West Brom.

"Tomorrow night was out of the question but Sunday is very much a question because I think by then I should know one way or another whether he is going to play for Liverpool this season or Barcelona."

During his press conference ahead of Thursday's Europa League qualifier with Trabzanspor, Hodgson confirmed that the club had held talks with his former side Fulham over left-back Paul Konchesky.

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