Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has rejected a new contract.

The Spaniard is unhappy that owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks want to limit his control of the club.

“They feel that the manager's decisions need to be subject to the chief executive,” said the Reds boss, whose deal runs out in October 2010.

“But I know that I am subject to results and to our fans and they are the best judges I will ever have.”

Benitez wants more say over the club's academy and insists he should be the man responsible for transfers, providing he conducts his business within the club's budget.

The 48-year-old, who is happy with the length and finances of the deal, said: “This is solely about being allowed to manage the club to the best of my abilities. I believe this club has the potential to improve.

“I will continue to do my job as manager and concentrate on the thing that our fans want me to focus on — winning trophies for them.”

Liverpool, who face Everton in the Premier League at Anfield on Monday, refused to comment.

Jermaine Pennant won't be part of Benitez's plans after Liverpool today agreed to sell the winger to Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.