Benítez and Parry Clear the Air at Liverpool

The Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez and chief executive Rick Parry have vowed to "move forward together" after holding clear-the-air talks at Anfield.

The working relationship between the two had come under pressure over Liverpool's activity in the transfer market - particularly over the Gareth Barry transfer saga. Benítez is thought to be frustrated over the club's inability to secure one of his main targets for the summer. But with the talks being described as "positive", Parry and Benítez are continuing to work on strengthening the squad before the window closes at the end of the month.

"Clear-the-air talks have taken place," confirmed Benítez. "It was a positive discussion and we will now move forward together." Parry added: "I can confirm that we had a friendly and positive meeting and we're moving forward."

Liverpool are currently focusing their attentions on bringing in a left-sided midfielder with both Albert Riera and Stewart Downing having been linked with the club.