Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks says he is happy with how recent talks with manager Rafael Benitez have gone.

The Spaniard had demanded a meeting with Hicks amid speculation over his future and continuing in-fighting in the Anfield boardroom.

The pair met before Liverpool's Champions League semi-final against Chelsea on Tuesday and then again a day later when they reportedly discussed transfer budgets for next season.

"We had a great meeting," Hicks told The Times before the second round of talks.

"We have agreed to meet again and it is a very healthy situation.

"Rafa is happy and wants to talk about where he is taking the club."

The round of meetings were conducted without co-owner George Gillett and chief executive Rick Parry (pictured, two rows above Hicks at the Chelsea game), and Benitez has reportedly asked for a further get-together with all three in attendence.

Hicks said: "I am surprised if anyone is saying different. We plan to all get together and Rafa is happy with that."

Benitez has felt it necessary to seek assurances with the future of the club remaining the subject of much speculation - Gillett wants to sell his 50 per cent stake to the Dubai International Capital group, while Hicks is determined to stay.

Hicks, who was told by police to stay away from Anfield on Tuesday for his own safety, caused uproar on Merseyside by recently demanding Rick Parry's resignation and labelling his time in Liveprool as a 'disaster'.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport