Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wants his new contract clarified before any of his players' outstanding deals are addressed.

Benitez has put the block on Liverpool players signing new contracts until his own future is sorted out.

Sami Hyypia's current deal runs out at the end of the season, while Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Alvaro Arbeloa and Emilio Insua only have 18 months left on their contracts.

Holland striker Kuyt said last night: "The manager told me he wants to give me a new contract but because of his own contract he wanted to sort that out first.

"I'm not too worried about it at this stage, I am focusing on important games coming up. I have never thought the manager would be leaving."