Hyypia deal imminent

Defender set to commit future to Reds

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 26th March 2008

Sami Hyypia

Hyypia: Out of contract in the summer

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Sami Hyypia looks likely to end the speculation surrounding his future by penning a new deal with Liverpool.

The Finnish defender's current contract is due to expire in the summer and there had been uncertainty as to whether he would be offered an extension.

The veteran centre-back has been a revelation on Merseyside since being snapped up from Dutch side Willem II nine years ago and has made no secret of his desire to complete a decade of service for the club.

Despite turning 34 in October, Hyypia has made 37 appearances for the Reds this season and shows no signs of letting his immaculate standards slip.

Rafa Benitez's confession that contract discussions will begin at the end of the week will have come as a welcome relief to all concerned, and Hyypia will be delighted to now be able to focus his full attention on matters on the field.

"Rick Parry (chief executive) is due to talk to Sami's agent this weekend and hopefully everything will then be finished," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.