SOCCER:LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has rejected reports of fresh conflict with the club's American owners over his role at the club.

Reports yesterday morning suggested Benitez’s contract talks were in danger of collapse because of the Spaniard’s apparent demand to have total control of Liverpool’s transfer policy.

Benitez found himself in a power struggle with American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillet last season over his future, but he insists there is no trouble on the horizon with the pair.

“My agent only received the draft document of my contract on Monday evening so my surprise is that some journalists can talk about there being problems before I have even read it properly and discussed it,

Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

“We have agreed the length of contract and we have agreed the salary. Now we have to discuss my role and my responsibilities as manager of the club.

But we haven’t had the opportunity to do that yet.

Someone has information and clearly wants to create a mess, but I havent discussed anything yet because, as I say, the contract only arrived on Monday night.

I dont have any problems at all with the American owners.

Benitez also rejected rumours that he was set to go head-to-head with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson again for the signing of Brazilian defender Anderson.

Both Liverpool and United have been credited with an interest in the Fluminense ace, but Benitez has denied Anderson is on his list of transfer targets.

That is not true, added Benitez. We are not trying to sign that player.