Nathan Eccleston is set to be handed a new long-term deal by Liverpool.

Sky Sports says Reds boss Rafael Benitez will hand Eccleston a new three-and-a-half-year contract extension as they look to keep hold of one of their academy’s rising stars.

The young Bury protégé, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was thought to be arousing interest from several Premier League rivals but will now stay at Anfield until at least 2013.