’Pool expect their stars to sign soon

LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez expects not only Steven Gerrard to sign a new contract in the next few weeks but also a clutch of big-name Anfield stars.

Gerrard confirmed yesterday that he is on the brink of signing a four-year deal believed to be worth £120,000 (€176,000) a week.

And Benitez, ahead of today’s trip to Fulham, revealed that Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Jose Reina, Steve Finnan and Daniel Agger could soon follow.

Benitez said: “We have been talking to several players, not just Steven. Those talks were suspended ahead of the Chelsea game in the Champions League, but we will start talking again.

“Nobody has yet agreed a deal, but if we can get them sorted out, as well as some for younger players too, before the Champions League final at the end of the month, we will do.

“But I would expect that it would now be after the Athens final that deals are agreed. When you talk to players it is easy, but not always with agents. But I am confident things will be cleared up.”

Gerrard leaves little doubt that the process is running smoothly, particularly after new co-owner Tom Hicks said in the aftermath of Tuesday’s semi-final win over Chelsea: “I cannot see Steven Gerrard playing for another club.”

Gerrard says: “Tom Hicks has said he cannot see me playing for another club, and yes, I’m in talks to extend my contract at Liverpool and I’ve never been happier with my football.

“I’d love nothing better than to get this contract sorted and signed, so I can understand where he’s coming from.

“We need to keep all of our big players here so it’s very important we get the contracts sorted out so they can be here for a long time.”

Gerrard is unlikely to play at Craven Cottage tomorrow as Benitez plans to rest more of his potential first-choice Athens line-up.

The Anfield skipper could join a host of absentees at Craven Cottage, with John Arne Riise, Finnan, Carragher and Reina expected to be rested again, with the Champions League final later this month.

And there is also the prospect that Italy Under-21 international keeper Daniele Padelli could make his debut, with Argentinian teenage full-back Emiliano Insua — who made his debut at Fratton Park — getting another outing.

Benitez is likely to rely mainly on players who did not play, or complete 90 minutes against Chelsea in midweek.

And the Spanish coach has been quick to brush aside criticism of his team by Gennaro Gattuso, the AC Milan midfielder, who has claimed Liverpool are a long-ball team and not as good as Manchester United.

He said: “I expect more of this sort of thing, but I wonder just how many times he has seen us play. Maybe he remembers 2005 in Istanbul and is already a little worried.”

Gerrard, too, is already focused on Athens, and he has revealed that he is surprised that AC Milan will be Liverpool’s final opponents in Greece.

He said: “Milan are a fantastic team and we know it’s going to be really difficult, so we need to be right at the top of our game.

“I thought it was going to be a Liverpool-Manchester United final, but credit to Milan because they were excellent on the night and deserved to win the game.”

He added: “Now I am sure Milan will want to make amends for 2005 because I’m sure Istanbul hurt them. They have a chance for revenge now but me and the boys are going to be ready for that and we’re looking forward to it.”