The veteran defender's current deal runs out at the end of the season, but Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has spoken of his confidence that talks on an extension will be concluded this week.

"Rick Parry (chief executive) is due to talk to Sami's agent this weekend, and we hope everything will then be finished," he said on the club's official website.

Hyypia has made it clear he wants to end his top-flight career at Anfield, and is now expected to sign another one-year extension.

That means Hyypia will join a select band of Liverpool players who have spent more than 10 years at the club, the Finn having arrived under Gerard Houllier back in 1999.

Next season, with Daniel Agger back fit and new boy Martin Skrtel continuing to develop, Hyypia can expect to be used less frequently. But Benitez wants Hyypia's experience around Anfield as a strong back-up to the new boys.

www.liverpoolfc.tv