Benitez bags new deal after Baggies clash

Rafael Benitez wants to enter his new contract talks next week with Liverpool back at the top of the Premier League.

The Reds boss was delighted to be told that owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett will open talks to extend his current Anfield deal, which has 18 months left on it, after the West Brom game.

Benitez wants to enter negotiations with Liverpool top of the table and to do that he must ensure his side gets a better result than Chelsea this weekend.

Fernando Torres will undergo a late fitness check with Benitez keen to get the Spaniard back in the fold against West Brom, even if it is only to play 45 minutes.

Liverpool fans looking to use the £10 free bet by backing their team to win the game will hope the news that the manager's contract situation is set to be cleared up will give the team a big boost.

"I think this is good news because Mr Hicks has been in touch with me on behalf of himself and George Gillett to tell me they are ready to talk with my advisers about an extension," said Benitez.

"This is a positive movement and they gave me their word they will make contact with my advisers this week.

"This is positive for the team because my idea is to have this concluded as soon as possible so we can stop talking about my situation in every press conference. I am where I want to be.

"That is the most important thing, and for me the key now will be the length of the contract."