Since last summer, starting with Barcelona's courting of Mascherano, there has been constant speculation about several key players, and Benitez himself.

That was intensified by Liverpool's poor start to the campaign, but things have settled down considerably since Christmas.

And it is a measure of the faith the players have in Benitez, who is confident he will be in charge for the long term, that two key members of his squad are prepared to commit to contract extensions.

"Everything is very close and no problems," said the Spaniard, who in January was targeted by Serie A club Juventus to take over this summer.

"I think we will have news about Reina and Mascherano very soon and that will be very positive for the future."

After speculation about Barcelona's interest in Mascherano drifted away following the closing of the August transfer window, the futures of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and, most recently, Reina have been open to debate.

At a glittering awards ceremony, held at the Crowne Plaza, Torres beat off competition from team-mate Steven Gerrard, Everton pair Louis Saha and Tim Howard, World Champion gymnast Beth Tweddle, St Helens prop forward James Graham and talented local youngsters Francesca Halsall and Katarina Thompson to lift the gong.

Torres, who took the prize last year after scoring Spain’s winning goal at Euro 2008, became the first man since Kenny Dalglish in 1979 and 1980 to become a double winner.

He was recognised by a panel of judges after becoming the quickest Liverpool player to reach 50 league goals – it took him just 72 games and smashed a record that had stood for more than 60 years.

“I’m really, really proud,” said Torres. “This award means a lot to me. It’s the second year I have won it and I have to say ‘thank you’ for giving me the opportunity.