Benitez keen to kickstart Reds talks

RAFA BENITEZ hopes to have clear-the-air talks with Liverpool’s US owners before the Premier League showdown with Manchester United next month.

The Anfield boss, with his position strengthened by the Champions League victory over Porto, experienced a week of acrimony with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett that threatened his job.

Benitez had been told by the US sports moguls they would not discuss transfers until they made their next trip to Merseyside for the clash with Alex Ferguson’s men on December 16.