Liverpool Readying New Deal For Steven Gerrard – Alonso, Carragher, Finnan & Reina Also In Line For Extension

Skipper Steven Gerrard has confirmed he is into negotiations with Liverpool for a new deal, while four other players are also expected to extend their stay on the Merseyside.

According to the reports from Anfield, the England midfielder has reached an advanced stage of the new contract of four years for £120,000 a week wages.

26-year-old Gerrard, who has been with the Reds for all his life so far, told the club's website: "Tom Hicks has said he cannot see me playing for another club, and yes, I'm in talks to extend my contract at Liverpool and I've never been happier with my football.

"I'd love nothing better than to get this contract sorted and signed, so I can understand where he's coming from.

"We need to keep all of our big players here so it's very important we get the contracts sorted out so they can be here for a long time."

Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher, Jose Reina and Steve Finnan are due to get new deals.

"We have had some conversations with four or five players," Benitez told reporters on Friday.

"We decided to stop talks briefly because we were playing in the semi-final of the Champions League.

"But we are talking again and hopefully can agree something before the final happens.

"The players already have contracts but we told them we want to do the deal and we are really close (to agreeing terms)," Benitez said.

Meanwhile, striker Robbie Fowler and keeper Jerzy Dudek look set to leave the club on the expiry of their contract at the end of the season.