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Rafa to begin Reds contract talks

14/11/2008

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will begin talks over a new contract next week.

The Spaniard, who has been Reds boss since 2004, insists no details had been discussed and his advisors would handle negotiations while he concentrates on Liverpool's title bid.

Liverpool have denied reports that a clause in Benitez's contract will gag him from speaking about the club's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Reports also claimed the American duo were furious with Benitez for openly discussing the prospects of a new contract last week.

The club have dismissed these suggestion as "nonsense" and said news of the imminent talks were first reported on its official website.

Benitez said his advisors will meet with the club next week.

"But I want to make it clear that no details were discussed. Not the length of the contract, nor money or any conditions, " the ex-Valencia boss said.

"None of those things were discussed. There has been contact and now things will start progressing.

"And in the future my agent will be talking about this with the club and I will concentrate on football, because I do not want to be talking about things every week that can distract the players.

"They will talk next week and hopefully there will be progress, but I do not want to be involved in those talks."

Liverpool, who are joint top of the Premier League with Chelsea, face Bolton Wanderers tomorrow at the Reebok Stadium.