Benitez very close to new deal

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Spaniard has been Reds boss for four-and-a-half years - during which time he has won the Champions League - and has 18 months of his current deal still to run.

Benitez has told his club's American owners he is looking for a contract which will allow him to be part of the "long-term future" of the Merseyside club and wants assurances over boardroom stability.

An announcement on his future could be made shortly, according to Parry who told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "He is nearly there."

He added: "The owners have made a commitment and said they wanted to extend and keep him. Clearly he wants to stay, so yes it will be done.

"We have had a few hold-ups this week with his unfortunate illness.

"That has slightly got in the way, but it won't be very long now. I cannot be specific, but it is very close now."

Benitez has often clashed with the owners over transfer policy, most notably during the on-off Gareth Barry saga last summer.

Parry hinted there may be little movement in terms of new arrivals at Anfield when the transfer window opens again next month.

"It is difficult to do smart business in January," he said. "Teams still in the Champions League certainly are not going to sell, and it takes time to settle players in."