Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has spoken with the club's American owners about improving Eduardo Macia's current contract.

Valencia president Juan Soler has sounded out Macia about returning to the Mestalla to replace sports director Amedao Carboni next season and Benitez is determined not to lose his right-hand man.

AS says Benitez has requested that Macia be handed a new deal during talks with Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The Spaniard's presence at Anfield is set to become even more critical next season following fellow chief scout Frank McParland's move to Bolton Wanderers last week as their new general manager.