Liverpool are ready to open new contract talks with manager Rafa Benitez.

Benitez's current agreement is not due to expire until 2010 but the Spaniard believes the Reds are on the brink of something special.

Benitez said: "I'd be very pleased to be here in the future. But it has to be done this month. I don't want to be talking about it every week. I want the contract out of the way so we can concentrate on the football. The owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have come forward and said they are happy with the job we are doing so we have to sort it quickly.

"It's important for stability and for the players who are thinking about signing new contracts. The owners gave their word there would be contact again next week with my advisors. It's clear that to me the length of the contract is important. I'd like to be here for a long time as the club and team are progressing. I don't know how long the contract will be for but I have a lot of confidence it will be a good offer so we have to wait."

Benitez has been on Merseyside for 4½ years and is genuinely excited by the future.

And the former Valencia chief reckons sorting out his future will benefit the squad.

He added: "I am really pleased to be here. My family and I are very happy. We know how good the fans have been with us from the very beginning. The club is going forward, there are projects for the future, such as the new stadium, and everything seems positive. We want to be part of that future. We have some players who are in the same situation as I am with 1½ years left on their contract.

"They want to know who the manager is going to be in the future and it's the same when you are signing new players.

"If you sign a player and leave then it's a bad situation for the player and team because every manager has his own ideas. The players want to know who will be in charge of the team in two or three years' time."