Kuyt agrees new Liverpool deal through to 2013

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt signed a new deal with the Premier League club through to 2013 ahead of Sunday's match at Arsenal.

The 30-year-old Netherlands international, who joined Liverpool from Feyenoord in 2006, has spent the last month negotiating new terms.

"I am very happy. We have spent a long time (in discussions) but always with the intention to reach an agreement,'' Kuyt said. "All the conversations were conducted in a friendly atmosphere.

"It fits perfectly with the feeling I got at this club. Since the day I first walked in, I felt welcome. That feeling has never left.''

Terms of the deal were announced by Dutch consultancy company Sport-Promotion.

Kuyt netted his 11th goal of the season in a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League on Monday.

"He's scored a few goals recently and his reward is an extension to his contract,'' Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said on the club website. "The deal adds to the continuity of keeping people here that we want to keep.''

Liverpool's only remaining target this season is capturing fifth place to qualify for the Europa League. Dalglish's side is sixth, five points behind Tottenham, and having played an extra game.

"It was a great result the other day to bring more confidence for the team,'' Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio said. "Our thinking is to carry on with this work and try to repeat the same work against Arsenal.''

Arsenal, though, remains in the hunt for the Premier League title.

The Gunners are seven points behind leader Manchester United but have played a game less and have not been beaten in north London by Liverpool since 2000.

Arsene Wenger's side returned to winning ways at Blackpool last Sunday following a run of three successive draws which had threatened to derail the title bid.

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