RAFA BENITEZ has told Liverpool's indecisive owners: Secure my future and we'll go from strength to strength. But if Tom Hicks and George Gillett let Rafa walk, the Reds could suffer the same reversal of fortune as Valencia.The Yanks are stalling on his contract, which expires at the end of next season.
And they should have a chat with Atletico Madrid's sporting director Manuel Llorente at the Champions League clash on Tuesday.Llorente worked with Rafa at Valencia but failed to secure him a new deal in 2003 which led to him leaving for Anfield.In three years at Valencia, Benitez won a UEFA Cup and two La Liga titles. They have won one Spanish Cup since his exit.

Maradona, who was recently named as Alfio Basile's successor, flew out to England this week for talks with two of Argentina's most important players: Carlos Tevez of Manchester United, and Liverpool's Javier Mascherano.

Despite being just 24 years of age, Mascherano had long been pegged as a future captain. The hard-working midfielder has become a Kop favourite during his short stay at Anfield, and the fact he already has over 40 caps for los Albicelestes speaks volumes.

But those notions of a brilliant leader in the making have been dashed after the former West Ham player refused Maradona's offer of the armband.