Liverpool have issued a statement describing clear-the-air talks between manager Rafael Benitez and the club's American owners as "positive".

The meeting was arranged following a dispute between the Spaniard and Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the club's approach to the January transfer window.

Benitez was frustrated at what he saw as an unnecessary delay over the pursuit of new players and claimed the American duo did not understand the European transfer market.

But a statement on the Liverpool website said: "A meeting was held this evening involving Tom Hicks, George Gillett, Foster Gillett, Rick Parry and Rafa Benitez which was wide-ranging and positive.

"The discussions were amicable and constructive. All those present are united in their desire to bring further success to the club."

Earlier in the day, the Reds had lost 1-0 at home to Manchester United, a result which seriously dents their Premier League title hopes.

Carlos Tevez scored the game's only goal, but Benitez said: "It is too soon to talk about the title.

"Clearly, it will be harder. If we are going to get closer we need to start winning some games in a row.

"Every team can lose points, so I have the same confidence to keep going and try and keep winning.

"We are a team that has a lot of positives but this defeat is frustrating because we are very close to Manchester United. We just made one mistake and paid for it, just as we did last season."