Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafa Benitez set for exit as Liverpool FC board seek to agree pay-off
Rafa Benitez 300[LNB]* VIEW a timeline of Rafa Benitez's reign at Anfield here[LNB]RAFA BENITEZ'S six-year reign as manager of Liverpool Football Club was all but over after the Anfield board met to discuss terms of his departure.[LNB]The ECHO understands the Liverpool board tonight approved a deal which would see the Spaniard leave with a £3m pay-off.[LNB]The move is effectively a vote of no confidence in Benitez and makes his position virtually untenable.[LNB] Managing director Christian Purslow declined to comment and would only say he was 'locked down in a meeting'. Benitez was unavailable for comment.[LNB]The Spaniard is only 15 months into a lucrative five-year contract at Anfield and if the club sack him he is entitled to a £16m pay-off.[LNB]However, the club's dire finances - they recently posted record annual losses of £55m - are such that they are not in a position to be able to come up with that sort of money and are hoping a compromise can be swiftly reached which would see Benitez leave my 'mutual consent'.[LNB]In theory Benitez could dig his heels in and remain at Anfield but that appears unlikely now it's been made clear his services are no longer required.[LNB]A parting of the ways has looked increasingly likely after Liverpool suffered a miserable season.
