Benitez offered new Liverpool contract

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is set to be offered a new contract to stay at the club.

Several Spanish clubs have been linked with a move for Benitez but Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are finally ready to offer him a new deal.

Benitez said: “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.

“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.”

A statement from Gillett and Hicks 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.”

[Source: The Sun]