Monday, December 01, 2008

Rafa Benitez Will Ask For More Transfer Cash Once His Own Future Is Resolved

Rafa Benitez wants to put an end to his contract saga this week - so he can hit Liverpool's owners with a demand for more transfer cash.

The Kop boss has admitted he is yet to put his plans for the January transfer window to American pair Tom Hicks and George Gillett while his own future has still to be resolved.

But Benitez expects to sign a new deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2012 in the next few days.

And although he is likely to be told he must offload players like Jermaine Pennant and Andrea Dossena to generate transfer funds, the Spaniard believes he must be given the scope to improve his squad if he is to maintain Liverpool's challenge in the Premier League and Champions League.

Benitez said: "My advisers have been in contact with the owners and we are now wait ing for the new contract to be agreed. I haven't spoken to them about what will happen in January because I wanted the contract extension signed first.

"I hope that in the next few days we will get to talk about January."

Dirk Kuyt has revealed how he has finally come through the trauma of his father's death to become the player he always wanted to be at Anfield.

The £10million Dutchman spent last season under a cloud after losing dad Gerritt 17 months ago. But his club's march into title contention has coincided with his new positive attitude. Kuyt, 28, said: "I was having problems on the pitch and off it. My father's illness, and his death, was very tough for me to take, as it would be for any son.

"Now things are different because I have been able to move on as we all must do."

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