Benitez to start contract talks with Hamann

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2004

LONDON (AFP) — Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said he wants Dietmar Hamann to stay at Anfield and that he will be talking to the midfielder in the next few days about a new deal.

The 31-year-old German's contract expires in the summer and he will be free to talk to other clubs from next month.

Hamann has been one of the mainstays in the side over the past five years and has won 57 caps for his country.

Benitez is anxious to retain the services of Hamann, who arrived for eight million pounds (11.6 million euros) from Newcastle in July 1999.

"I am very happy with him and we have been talking," said the Liverpool boss. "We will speak again in a few days. I will say now that I want him to stay here."

Benitez is keen to strengthen his squad when...