Liverpool's American co-owners want Rafa Benitez to sign his new contract this week. The Mail on Sunday says Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are set to make Benitez a third contract offer this week - and they want it signed before next Sunday's game against Manchester City.
Having won major concessions about control over transfers, Benitez has sent back a second offer to the Americans, this time querying his role with the club's academy.
Now the owners are trying to rush through further amendments, believing any additional delay will hurt Liverpool as they battle for the Premier League title.
A senior source said last night: "The major points have been agreed and we hope things will be finalised soon."
Benitez, who has been offered a four-and-a-half-year deal which will earn him £15million, has twice looked in detail at the offer.