HICKS TO OFFER BENITEZ NEW DEAL
In a remarkable twist to the interminable Liverpool takeover saga, manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly set to begin talks on a contract extension to 2012.
Having previously been thought to be intent on removing Benitez in the summer, co-owner Tom Hicks is now believed to have buried the hatchet with the Spaniard. Equally remarkably, Hicks is reputedly ready to rebuff renewed efforts from DIC to buy the club and secure full ownership himself.
According to The Mail on Sunday, 'Hicks is stepping up plans to raise £150million to buy out fellow American and co-owner George Gillett and assume sole control of Anfield.' Whereas just a few weeks ago the report would have signalled the death knell of Benitez's tenure, the paper says that 'Benitez sees himself as the biggest winner if Hicks succeeds in taking control.'
'The Spanish manager now believes it was Gillett rather than his new ally, Hicks, who was the driving force behind the move to lure Jurgen Klinsmann to the manager's chair,' it claims.
A concurring Sunday People agrees, announcing: 'Rafa Benitez will open talks over a new contract to stay at Liverpool until 2012 after an amazing peace pact with American owner Tom Hicks.'
'The £18m permanent signing of Argentinian Javier Mascherano, talks with Peter Crouch about a new deal and plans for a new one-year deal for veteran defender Sami Hyypia all back up a thaw in relations between Hicks and Benitez.'
Benitez himself hinted at the dramatic change in relations on the eve of the match at Bolton, telling reporters, "I have confidence I will be here for a long time - not just for two years.
"I have 18 months left on my contract but I have a lot of confidence that it will be easier next season and I am sure the situation will change in the future.
"I have confidence that we are progressing in the right direction and at this moment the only thing I have in my mind is to progress with Liverpool and try to win titles.
'This year and in the future. I am not looking anywhere else. I am really pleased here now and I think we will improve the situation in the future and that's why I want to stay for longer.
"People ask me why I want to stay here. It's because I know we can improve, I know it's a massive club, it's a top side and we can progress."
oh no boys... we can forget abt the EPL title for next season again!:thumbsd: