Benitez planning long-term future

Rafael Benitez has made it clear he is anxious for an early resolution to contract negotiations he hopes will secure his long-term future as Liverpool manager.

The Spaniard’s next challenge comes against West Brom at Anfield tonight – when Fernando Torres will be restored to the Reds front line – but there are matters to be addressed off the pitch too, as Benitez plots Liverpool’s bid for the Barclays Premier League title.