Rumours - Liverpool happy to show Benitez the door

Published: 28 Apr 2010 - 09:33:26

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The Liverpool hierarchy will not stand in Rafa Benitez's way if the Spaniard wants to move to Juventus this summer.

Sneaky Rafa has previously used interest from other clubs, allayed with his massive popularity with the Kop, to negotiate more lucrative contracts and more power at the club.

However, owners Tom Hanks and George 'the best a man can get' Gillett are refusing to play ball this time, paving the way for Benitez to join the Turin giants.

Benitez, who has taken on far more control at Liverpool since Rick Parry's departure, is no longer considered untouchable at Anfield, with Champions League qualification looking a mere dream now with two games of the season left.

And if he leaves of his own accord, it will save the Yanks a small fortune not having to pay up the remaining four years of his contract.

Early names being linked to the possibly vacancy at Liverpool are Jurgen Klinsmann, who the owners interviewed for the job two years ago, Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini, who could be out of work by the summer, and Inter boss Jose Mourinho.

Meanwhile, the most recent name to be linked with the Bank of Manchester City is want away Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni.

Toni has been on loan at Roma since January, bagging five goals for the club, but the Italian side are unwilling to pay Bayern's hefty asking price, which wouldn't be a problem for City's owners.

And finally, ex-Wolf Robbie Keane could return to the pack this summer. Now deemed surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane, 'Arry Redknapp would be willing to sell the Irish international for £8 million.

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