After signing his new contract yesterday, Liverpool boss Rafa
Benitez is now expected to step up his bid to tie his players to
new deals.
Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt admits he was advised to wait until
Benitez's own deal had been concluded before opening negotiations
over his new deal.
And Danish defender Daniel Agger's new contract seemed to have
stalled some weeks ago.
There could also be likely new deals for striker Fernando
Torres, skipper Steven Gerrard and goalkeeper Jose Reina.
The stability Benitez's own deal will bring to Anfield should
also trigger similar commitments from several players, some of whom
had privately intimated they would consider their futures if the
Spaniard left.