Liverpool travel to the USA for a vital "bonding" trip on Saturday with new coach Rafael Benitez insisting Sami Hyypia is not for sale.

The Finnish defender has been the subject of interest from Barcelona, whose president Joan Laporta has said: "We need a central defender and Sami Hyypia is on our list.

"We have been studying him closely and we think Liverpool might be open to doing business."

But Liverpool have flatly rejected the prospect of selling Hyypia as Benitez reviews the squad he has inherited from Gerard Houllier.

A club spokesman said: "Sami Hyypia is just not for sale, it is as simple as that. And we have had no contact with Barcelona."

Benitez actually needs to strengthen his central defensive department rather than sell an experienced international.

And the fact that reserve defender Carl Medjani had a run out in last night's 2-1 friendly win at Wrexham suggests that the Spanish coach is taking a look at the quality available at Anfield before making a move in the market.

He used 21 players at Wrexham, and did not consider his Euro 2004 stars, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Dietmar Hamann, Milan Baros, Vladimir Smicer and Stephane Henchoz.

But all are expected on the plane for the three-game United States tour, which begins with a match against Celtic at 1.00am BST Tuesday morning.

Benitez has underlined the importance of the trip - with further games against Porto and Roma - as the trio of Spanish coaches he now has working for him get to know the squad.

Benitez admits that there has been an initial language problem. The former Valencia manager speaks good English, but Jose Ochotorena, Paco Herrera and Pako Ayestaran are primarily Spanish speaking.

Benitez admitted: "It has only been 10 days, no more, but we are now moving ahead well.

"The relationship between my coaches and the squad is good but it will improve. Sometimes you want to say something but you do not have the exact words.

"But I talk to Alex Miller (chief scout) each day and we are improving each day. It will be OK in maybe two months.

"The trip to the USA will be of great benefit. Always when you go away with the squad in pre-season for a time with all the team together all day it is good for relationships."

The US trip will give players fighting for their place the chance to impress Benitez, particularly amongst the four strikers and two goalkeepers.

Chris Kirkland and Jerzy Dudek had a half each at the Racecourse, and Benitez said: "We have two good goalkeepers, and it is the same as when people ask me about having four forwards. They all have to train well and then we will decide who plays."