Rafa Benitez is keen to open talks over a new, long-term contract at Liverpool. The Liverpool manager has yet to hear from co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett about a new contract, despite his current one having only about 20 months to run.

He is already being mentioned in Italy as a successor to Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri.

Benitez said: "The problem in England now is that everyone wants to be successful too soon. It is a part of the game I don't like and I would prefer to have a long-term contract so I can have a long-term plan."