After securing Steven Gerrard to a new deal, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will continue plans to sign his key players to new contract extensions.

It is understood that Benitez, now with more control over his budget and transfer policy, is preparing deals for Jose Reina, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Fernando Torres and Jamie Carragher, says the Daily Mail.

He has already tied up deals for several of his backroom staff, including assistant manager Sammy Lee, first-team coach Mauricio Pellegrino, goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero, fitness coach Paco de Miguel and chief scout Eduardo Macia.