But the Spaniard was at pains today to insist that no details had been discussed, and from now on his advisors would be handling negotiations while he concentrated on Liverpool's title bid.

Benitez was talking amid speculation that certain gagging conditions had been suggested to stop him discussing the club's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

There have even been claims that the American owners were annoyed with Benitez for openly discussing the prospects of a new contract last week.

The club have dismissed that suggestion as "nonsense" and underlined that the news of imminent talks was first revealed on their own club website last Friday.

That announcement, including comments from the owners on Benitez's qualities, came well before the Anfield boss had talked about a new deal at a media conference later that day.

Benitez said today: "I want to clarify the situation over my new contract. My advisor has had contact with the club's owners, and they will have a meeting in the future, hopefully next week.

"But I want to make it clear that no details were discussed. Not the length of the contract, nor money or any conditions.

"None of those things were discussed. There has been contact and now things will start progressing.

"And in the future my agent will be talking about this with the club and I will concentrate on football, because I do not want to be talking about things every week that can distract the players.

"They will talk next week and hopefully there will be progress, but I do not want to be involved in those talks."