Kuyt agrees Liverpool extension

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has joined Steven Gerrard in agreeing a new two-year deal to stay at Anfield.

The 28-year-old Dutchman had one year remaining on his existing deal and will stay at the club until 2012.

"This is another great piece of news for the club," said Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

"Dirk had one year left on his contract and we were keen for him to stay. He is a player with great quality who has a big part to play in our future."

The news that Kuyt had agreed an extension came just hours after it was revealed club captain Gerrard would remain at with the Reds until 2013.

Benitez added: "To have announced new deals for Steven and Dirk on the same day shows how hard everyone is working and that we are moving forward quickly as a club.

"These are very positive messages and I am very happy."

Kuyt joined Liverpool from Feyenoord in the summer of 2006 in a deal believed to be worth about £10m.

He arrived as a striker but has been used predominantly as a right winger during his time on Merseyside, scoring 10 goals in 41 appearances this season.