The former Valencia coach is hoping to persuade the 23-year-old Frenchman to continue his career in the Red half of the city this season despite an agreement being reached with the Blues.
Benitez said: "Today is Friday 27 August and Djimi Traore is still a Liverpool player. He has two years left on his Liverpool contract and I would like to keep him.
"Whether the situation will change before the transfer deadline next week, I don't know."
Benitez is preparing his players for Sunday's Premiership showdown and has been boosted today by the news that Josemi will return to the squad after limping off against Manchester City last weekend with a back strain.
