LIVERPOOL SATISFIED WITH BENITEZ TALKS
Liverpool claim the meeting between Rafael Benitez, chairman Martin Broughton and managing director Christian Purslow was "constructive".The Spaniard was hoping to be given an idea of what transfer budget is likely to await him in the summer, although it is unlikely Broughton - as a non-executive director - has the authority to give definite assurances.
Benitez was hoping to get a better idea about what the future holds both for the club and himself personally at the meeting, although unless a buyer is found it seems improbable co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett will invest any more money.
A Liverpool spokesman said: "We are pleased that the first of what is intended to be a series of meetings took place today between the chairman, managing director and the manager. The meeting was constructive."The chairman shared his views about plans for the future of the club. There was an exchange of views on issues of concern to both the board and the manager which were either addressed or to be picked up in forthcoming meetings."
Benitez has been linked with Juventus since January but the Italian club's failure to qualify for the Champions League - similar to Liverpool - and their apparent waning interest in appointing the Spaniard makes leaving a difficult option.
But staying and having to work on a limited budget - especially when Benitez believes he needs four of five players to at least get the squad back into top-four contention - also presents difficulties.
The feeling of uncertainty has not been helped by veteran defender Jamie Carragher's admission that he will not begin discussions on a new contract until the start of next season.
Carragher, 32, has dismissed suggestions he would leave Anfield if he did not get the right offer and insisted he wanted to see out his career at the club he joined as a boy.
"I've spoken to the manager about it and we both agreed that it would be better if we talked about it at the start of next season," said Carragher, who has acknowledged his playing days are nearing an end after organising a testimonial against boyhood favourites and near-neighbours Everton on September 4.
"I don't want to retire yet. I understand at my age you can only make decisions season by season but I want to finish my career at Liverpool.
"I don't want to play for anyone else."
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