Benitez closing in on new deal

RAFAEL BENITEZ is “very close” to sealing a new contract extension with Liverpool, according to chief executive Rick Parry, The Spaniard — who missed yesterday’s meeting with Arsenal after having an operation to remove kidney stones — has 18 months of his current deal still to run and wants assurances over boardroom stability at Anfield.

“He is nearly there,” Parry said yesterday. “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.”