Almost every year he seems to be linked with the Real Madrid post but difficulties experienced in the current campaign have only increased speculation about possible destinations.

In January Serie A giants Juventus made the Spaniard their number one choice to take over from temporary coach Alberto Zaccheroni in the summer.

An early exit from the Champions League and the potential failure to qualify for next season's competition have heaped more pressure on Benitez but he insists he has plenty of unfinished business at Anfield.

Securing the likes of forward Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt, midfielder Steven Gerrard and defender Daniel Agger on new long-term contracts - with goalkeeper Jose Reina and Argentina captain Javier Mascherano set to sign their deals in the next month - is instrumental is Benitez's planning.

The Spaniard is keen to keep hold of his key players before hopefully bringing in more quality to play alongside them.

"It was the idea last year to extend contracts," said Benitez.

"It is the same this year to guarantee the spine of the team is there and, afterwards, try to bring in some good players to hopefully improve.

"With some players we are looking two or three years ahead, you have to be ready and prepare more or less the squad.

"In terms of the first team, to guarantee the extension of some players is enough to bring in the right players.

"We are always planning for the future. You can make mistakes but at least you have a plan.

"So if we don't make mistakes in the transfer window or if the [new] players settle down with this group of players we have at the moment we will improve."

Benitez is also keen to bring players through from Liverpool's academy.

The club have been criticised for not producing a first-team player since Gerrard and Jamie Carragher came through the ranks over a decade ago.

One of the conditions Benitez agreed on before signing his new five-year contract early last summer was that he gained control of the whole developmental side of the club.

He is keen for that to become a success and play a more central part in the long-term strategy at Liverpool.

"This is the first year I am in charge of the academy and we are trying to improve and bring players from the academy," he added.

"We need some time. The reserve team are doing well so these players will be the future of the club."

Finding stars from the academy may become more important if Liverpool's struggles to qualify for the Champions League become the norm rather than the exception.

Failure to finish fourth this season would cost the club an estimated £25million and while that can be sustained for the odd season, any regular occurrence would have an impact.

Benitez does not believe his summer transfer budget will be affected by their Barclays Premier League finish but remains confident they can still qualify for Europe's premier club competition.

"I understand really well. For five years we qualified for the Champions League so we knew it was important for the club," said the manager.

"They (the owners) told me at the beginning of the season that there would not be a big difference (in the transfer budget).

"Hopefully we can finish in the top four. We've had one bad season but we hope it will be better another day."

If Liverpool are to overtake fourth-placed Tottenham and Manchester City, as well as keep Aston Villa at bay, they need to win at least five of their remaining seven matches.

That starts at home to Sunderland tomorrow, who were 1-0 victors back in October courtesy of Darren Bent's goal which was controversially deflected in off a beach ball thrown from the crowd.

Anfield stewards will be extra vigilant to ensure there can be no repeat from the visiting fans but Benitez is more concerned with beating the Black Cats.

"We are strong. We lost against Manchester United (last Sunday) but they were at the top of the table and the difference between the two teams was very small," said the Liverpool boss.

"I am sure Sunderland will provide a physical test for our players but if we can play our game we can beat anyone, especially at home."