Rafael Benítez has urged Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr, the controversial Liverpool owners, to resolve his contractual situation “as soon as possible” as the manager spoke yesterday about his desire to build a dynasty at Anfield.

Twelve months after holding talks with Jürgen Klinsmann, the former Germany coach now in charge of Bayern Munich, about replacing Benítez, Hicks, with Gillett’s blessing, contacted the Spaniard this week to tell him that they were ready to extend his contract. Talks are to begin within the next week, with Benítez hoping that a deal will be sorted out before the end of the month, rather than dragging on until Christmas or beyond. However, the length of the deal could become a sticking point.

Hicks claimed in April that he wanted to offer Benítez a one-year extension to his existing deal, which expires at the end of next season, but having stated on several occasions yesterday that the length of the new contract “is important”, the manager will be holding out for at least a new four-year deal on significantly improved terms. Benítez earns just over £50,000 a week at present.

“For me, it [the contract] has to be done this month,” Benítez, whose team play West Bromwich Albion at Anfield this evening, said. “I don’t want to be talking about it at every press conference. I want it out of the way so we can just concentrate on the football.”

Benítez joked that he would be “really pleased” if the Americans offered him a 20-year contract, but despite his past flirtations with Real Madrid and despite almost losing his job last winter, the Spaniard clearly has a lasting vision for the club, one that he hopes to be around to implement.

“I would like to be here for a long time,” he said. “I want to win and I think we have a team capable of winning trophies in the future. When you are working for five years to improve the team and you know you are very close to the final product, then it’s important you stay to try and carry it on. I feel we are on the verge of something good here.”

Daniel Agger, the Liverpool defender, and his representatives started talks about a new deal on Thursday and with Dirk Kuyt, the forward, also seeking a new contract, Benítez believes that there will be a greater chance of players committing their long-term futures to the club if they realise that his job is secure.

“They want to know who the manager is going to be, who will be there in two or three years, and it’s the same for new players you are looking to sign,” Benítez said.

In a joint statement, Hicks and Gillett said: “Rafa continues to do a great job. We are really pleased with the progress of the team and we look forward to talking to him and his advisers about extending his contract.”