Liverpool expect to tie Pepe Reina and Javier Mascherano to new long-term deals early next year in a move that should cement Rafa Benitez's position at Anfield.

The Reds are ready to hand the pair big pay rises to secure their future for the next five years.

But Benitez accepts the move will not stop speculation about a Barcelona bid for Argentine midfielder Mascherano bubbling up in the New Year.

The Spanish club are holding presidential elections in the Spring and candidate Agusti Benedito is claiming he will sign Mascherano if he wins.

But Benitez is confident his midfield terrier will stay on despite the interest from Spain.

He said: “We were talking with him and his agent a month ago about our idea and his idea. Everyone can see he’s doing really well now.

“We were really pleased to talk with him and to progress. We have plenty of time but we are happy with him and he is happier now too.

“He has two more years on his contract, we were talking before and we will sit down sooner rather than later and talk about the future. The last conversations that we had were very positive.”

Benitez has also sanctioned a new deal for Spanish keeper Reina even though he still has over two years left on his current contract.

He rates the shot-stopper as one of the world's best and is determined to make him commit his future to the club.

Benitez said: “It depends on the agent and what the player wants but Pepe is very happy here in Liverpool so I don’t see a big problem.

“He has been improving every single year and still he will improve because he is a keeper and they take more time to reach their peak.

“He’s training really well and he’s one of the best in the training sessions because his attitude is always very positive.''

Liverpool hope to have Fernando Torres back for Wednesday's dead Champions League rubber against Fiorentina.

Benitez intends to use the game to get Torres match fit with Alberto Aquilani also expected to have a run out.