Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry remains in control of transfers.

The Daily Mail says Benitez admitted last night that he has failed to win back the leading role in Liverpool transfer dealings that was at the heart of his high-profile rift with Anfield's American owners.

Benitez wants to call the shots on signing players but Parry remains in the driving seat on transfer business and retains the full confidence of the club's co-chairmen, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Parry pointed to a strained relationship yesterday when he was less than effusive on being given the chance, at the Champions League draw in Switzerland, to give Benitez his full backing.

Instead, he offered almost a warning shot: "We're fine, and we're focused on what we have to do - it's all about the second half of the season, winning games and getting it right on the pitch."

Parry did confirm there would be money available for signings next month, with Benitez desperate to close a deal for on-loan midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The manager claimed that the vexed question of buying and selling players had not cropped up in the showdown meeting, but said: "We will work together, all of us. Everybody is doing his job."