Liverpool Boss Benitez Reveals New Deal Talks

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that initial talks have started with American co-owner’s Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr over an extension to his current deal at Anfield.

Benitez is currently under contract at the Merseyside club until 2010, with the former Valencia coach, who has been at the Reds since 2004 insisting that he is intent on staying at Liverpool.

Hicks, is understood to have called the Spaniard to get the ball rolling, with talks with Benitez and his advisors scheduled to start within a week.

“I received a phone call from Tom Hicks on behalf of George Gillett also. They are talking about a meeting with my advisors and a contract extension. This is very positive news,” Benitez said.

“We decided to meet in the next week and now my advisors are in contact with them. We haven't spoken about the length of the contract but we talked and we all want to find a solution as soon as possible.

“For me it's easy. I want to stay here - I am where I want to be. It's very simple. My family and I know how good the fans have been with us. The club is going forward and we have the new stadium project. There are a lot of positive things.

“I want to stay here for a long time. Clearly I would like to be here when the new stadium opens. The other day I was joking that if they offered me a 20-year contract I'd be really pleased."

“The team is in a very good position, so if I do not have to talk about my contract from now on it will be perfect.

“The last two or three press conferences I have been asked and asked, so the stability is really important. The owners know we are doing well. The atmosphere is really good, we are at the top of the league and our Champions League group. The team is playing well.”

Hicks and Gillett have also released a statement praising Benitez for his efforts and claiming that they are looking forward to extending his four-years at the Premier League.

A statement on behalf of Hicks and Gillett read: “Rafa continues to do a great job, we are really pleased with the progress of the team and we look forward to talking to him and his advisors about extending his contract.”