RAFA BENITEZ has commited his future to Liverpool after being guaranteed significant funds to rebuild his squad this summer.
Benitez held crunch talks with the Anfield board earlier this week, when he was convinced he would be provided with the resources he needs to challenge Chelsea for the Premiership in the seasons ahead.
A one-year-extension to his current deal has been widely reported but not yet signed. But it would be a symbolic gesture which eradicates Liverpool's genuine fears of losing their manager.
Both Inter Milan and Real Madrid made direct contract with Benitez's representative during the last month, and as late as last weekend the Anfield boss was keeping his options open until he spoke to the Anfield hierarchy.
Liverpool's guarantees to Benitez show how seriously the club considered the threat of losing Benitez, but how much work they've done behind the scenes in the last few weeks to ensure the manager will have the funds he requires.
Benitez and his coaching team have now been reassured about the future of the club and a summer of turmoil has been avoided.
Liverpool are not in a position to announce full details of their financial plans yet, but they confirmed at last month's AGM progress was being made in their pursuit of investment.
The ECHO understands the club is extremely close to securing the multi-million pound deal it needs in order to safeguard the future of the Stanley Park project and provide a transfer kitty for the manager.
They've been told a £10m grant from the North West Development Agency to regenerate the area around a new stadium will be withdrawn if Liverpool don't prove they have the private capital to pay for the £160m venue.
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