Rafa in Anfield plans - Hicks

Tom Hicks, one of the American businessmen set to complete a takeover of Liverpool next week, insists manager Rafael Benitez has the full support of the new regime.

Hicks and fellow investor George Gillett will take in the Reds' next Premiership match on March 31 - against Arsenal, who the club are battling for third place - and then talk with Benitez about their plans.

Hicks told Radio Five Live: "We've set a meeting time to get together with Rafa after the Arsenal match. We'll celebrate our first game as new owners then we've set aside the day to talk about things (with Benitez)."

Asked if the former Valencia boss figured in the pair's future plans, Hicks added: "Absolutely."