Rick Parry's departure will bring Rafa Benitez no closer to signing his new contract with Liverpool.

The Times says Benitez emphasised that his decision about whether to sign a new four-year deal has never hinged on Parry leaving or staying at Anfield, despite the very public power struggle between the pair.

Tom Hicks, the Liverpool co-owner, has bowed to Benitez's demands for greater control over the club's transfer policy and youth system, but the main sticking point preventing the Spaniard from putting pen to paper is the continuing uncertainty over ownership at Anfield.

"It is too simple to say [if Rick Parry goes, I will sign a new contract]," Benitez said yesterday.

The news will heighten the need for Hicks and George Gillett Jr, his estranged business partner, to find a swift solution or risk the issue dragging on until the summer, when the club may face competition from Real Madrid, Chelsea or Manchester City in seeking to retain Benitez's services.