Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will seek answers from the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett in talks next week.

Benitez will meet with his board next week about an £18million, four-year deal, but there are no guarantees he will sign, despite the departure of chief executive Rick Parry at the end of the season.

He wants assurances about who will own the club in the long term before he commits himself.

The Spaniard would also like to know who will replace Parry.

Parry's impending departure, announced on Friday, is a major breakthrough after two years of infighting at Anfield.

A source close to Benitez told the Mail on Sunday: "Having Rick leave is a big help. Rafael should meet the owners soon, but they have a bit of convincing to do before the deal is completed."