STEVE FINNAN is the latest Liverpool player to be on the verge of an extended Anfield contract.
While all the focus remains on Anfield’s four big guns who are deep in negotiations, it’s emerged Finnan has joined the list of those Rafa Benitez wants to keep at the club.
It will be a just reward for the Irish international, who recovered from an uneasy start to his Liverpool career to become an unsung hero of the Champions League and FA Cup winning side.
The right-back has seen off the challenge of several new right sided defenders since joining from Fulham in 2003, and is now firmly established as the first choice full-back.
He turns 31 next week, but such has been his level of consistency and invaluable experience, Benitez was in no doubt the defender was worth an extension.
It’s a move which is sure to delight Finnan, who spoke only last week of his hope to extend his terms which have only a year left to run after this season.
American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are also keen to reward at least four of Liverpool’s Academy youngsters with contracts following their success in this year’s FA Youth Cup.
The teenagers who’ve already made the step up to Melwood are in line for longer deals as Gillett and Hicks look to safeguard both senior stars and developing talent.
HAVE your say on our Reds Messageboard - click 
RSS News Feed