London- Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will begin talks over a new contract with the club's owners next week.

The Spaniard, whose existing contract expires in 2010, said Friday he would discuss a new deal with Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.

"I received a phone call from Tom Hicks on behalf of George Gillett also," Benitez said on Liverpool's official website.

"They are talking about a meeting with my advisors and a contract extension. This is very positive news. We decided to meet in the next week and now my advisors are in contact with them.

"We haven't spoken about the length of the contract but we talked and we all want to find a solution as soon as possible.

Benitez, 48, who took over in 2004, said he was totally committed to Liverpool.

"For me it's easy. I want to stay here - I am where I want to be. It's very simple," he said.

"My family and I know how good the fans have been with us. The club is going forward and we have the new stadium project. There are a lot of positive things.

"I want to stay here for a long time. Clearly I would like to be here when the new stadium opens. The other day I was joking that if they offered me a 20-year contract I'd be really pleased.

"The team is in a very good position, so if I do not have to talk about my contract from now on it will be perfect.

"The last two or three press conferences I have been asked and asked, so the stability is really important.

"The owners know we are doing well. The atmosphere is really good, we are at the top of the league and our Champions League group. The team is playing well."

Liverpool are second in the English Premier League, only behind Chelsea on goal difference, and are on track to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. (dpa)