The Liverpool hierarchy will not stand in Rafa
Benitez's way if Juventus formalise their reputed interest in
securing his services, according to reports.
Speculation has raged for the past two weeks that the Old Lady
of Italian football want Benitez to become their next manager and
are prepared to offer him a four-year, £16m contract in order to
lure him away from Anfield.
'While the Italians are not yet near to putting a formal request
to Liverpool there is the sense that the move will speed up over
the next few weeks,' reports The Independent.
'Senior figures at Liverpool have indicated that - unlike in the
past when Benitez has parlayed his popularity with the fans into
improved contracts and greater influence at the club - this will
not be the case should Juventus's offer turn out to be
genuine.'
Benitez's position is certainly significantly weaker than it was
this time last year when his side were still challenging for a
league title. Following a dismal campaign this season, it looks
almost certain that he will fail to deliver on the "guarantee" of
Champions League qualification he stated at the start of the
year.
- Football365.com