LIVERPOOL last night claimed the meeting between Rafael Benitez, chairman Martin Broughton and managing director Christian Purslow was ‘‘constructive and cordial’’.

The Spaniard was hoping to be given an idea of what transfer budget is likely to await him in the summer, although it is unlikely Broughton – as a non-executive director – has the authority to give definite assurances.

Benitez was hoping to get a better idea about what the future holds both for the club and himself personally, although unless a buyer is found it seems improbable coowners Tom Hicks and George Gillett will invest any more money.

A Liverpool spokesman said: ‘‘We are pleased that the first of what is intended to be a series of meetings took place today between the chairman, managing director and the manager. The meeting was constructive and cordial.

‘‘The chairman shared his views about plans for the future of the club.

“There was an exchange of views on issues of concern to both the board and the manager which were either addressed or to be picked up in forthcoming meetings.’’ Meanwhile, Hicks is angry at the publication of comments from him which suggested it will take another two years to sell the club.

Reports quoted the Texan as saying he and fellow American George Gillett had been owners for three years but would not be in charge for a total of five.

That was interpreted as him claiming it would take two years to sell the club he and Gillett bought back in 2007.

However, the Texan has pointed out the comments were made before he and Gillett officially put the club up for sale last month.

He also clarified a quote in which he said he had paid a ‘‘terrible price’’ for ownership of the club – he claims that referred to his American-based sports interests in the form of Texas Rangers baseball team and Dallas Stars ice hockey franchise.

That still seems some way off with the sale ongoing, with Broughton overseeing the process.

Benitez has been linked with Juventus since January but the Italian club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League – similar to Liverpool – and their apparent waning interest in appointing the Spaniard makes leaving a difficult option.