Benitez hits out at bosses over Agger contract

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has opened up a new front in his power struggle with the Premier League club's hierarchy by criticizing the failure to give defender Daniel Agger a new contract.

Days after himself rejecting a new deal, Benitez is worried about losing the Denmark international, whose agent has been spotted with AC Milan officials, due to dithering over a contract.

Benitez could be using Agger's predicament to highlight why he is demanding Liverpool's American owners give him more control over transfers instead of chief executive Rick Parry.

"The club has been too slow on Agger's contract," Benitez said. "Agger is now in the papers because we were not quick enough. I was talking to Agger and his agent, and Agger was telling me he wants to stay.

"His commitment to the club is 100 percent, but they have been waiting and waiting and waiting and they don't know what is happening. This could be the same situation with other players."

Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt and Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa are in the final 18 months of their contracts _ like Benitez, who wanted a speedy resolution to his own talks over new terms when they opened in November.

"I wanted to finish my contract in one week and deal with other things because I was only thinking about what is best for my club," Benitez said. "I don't know if it is a worry about (Agger and) Milan but I do know the player wants to stay here. He wants to stay and so we can find a solution."

Benitez is set to meet co-owners George Gillett Jr. and Tom Hicks at the end of the months to discuss his demands, which include greater control over the youth academy and future signings.

But Benitez is yet to convince the owners that he has the business acumen or negotiating skills to gain more power. Concern in the boardroom also centers over his lack of focus in determining future players.

"I don't know how difficult it will be to resolve," Benitez said. "I only know I decided to finish it because I think it is in the best interests of my club ... I am only talking about working within a budget, not controlling everything."

But it seems unlikely the impasse will be resolved before May _ overshadowing Liverpool's bid for a first English championship since 1990.

The Reds failed to return to the top of the Premier League standings Monday after being held 1-1 by crosstown rival Everton, leaving Manchester United ahead on goal difference with a game in hand.

"Now I have answered and the matter is closed," Benitez said. "We can't be talking about this until May, especially as we are in a fantastic position.

"It is better to concentrate on football and I think the answer I have given will help our title challenge."