Benitez Closes On New Deal

Anfield chief executive feels manager is 'nearly there' in contract talks
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is on the verge of agreeing a new contract at Anfield, according to chief executive Rick Parry.
The former Valencia boss moved to Merseyside in 2004 and won the UEFA Champions League in his first season in charge and both parties are keen to extend his stay.
Benitez has 18 months remaining on his current deal and, despite persistent rumours linking the Spaniard with Real Madrid, he has insisted that he wishes to remain at Liverpool.
The 48-year-old, who has recently undergone an operation to remove kidney stones, has been in discussions with the Reds hierarchy over recent weeks and Parry believes a deal is now close.
"He is nearly there," said Parry.
"The owners have made a commitment and said they wanted to extend and keep him. Clearly he wants to stay, so yes it will be done.
"We have had a few hold-ups this week with his unfortunate illness.
"That has slightly got in the way, but it won't be very long now. I cannot be specific, but it is very close now."
Parry also hinted there may be little movement in terms of new arrivals at Anfield when the transfer window opens in the New Year.
"It is difficult to do smart business in January," he said. "Teams still in the Champions League certainly are not going to sell, and it takes time to settle players in.
"Ideally you do your business in the summer, so your players can have a whole pre-season with you rather than playing catch up. But we will see.
"I really do not think we will be doing a great deal of business in January. We have got the squad.”