Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is to meet with the club's owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks in the next week to discuss a contract extension. The Spaniard's relationship with the two Americans has not always been good and has often resulted in him being linked with other clubs in the last couple of years, significantly Real Madrid.

However, they appear to have patched up their differences in recent months and with the club having their best start to a Premier League season, moves are afoot to keep Benitez at Anfield.

Benitez signed a new four-year contract in June 2006 but the club are keen to secure his services on a longer deal — and the manager is equally eager to extend his stay.
 
"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 this morning.

"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."