Source: Daily_Mail
Rafa Benitez is out: Spaniard to quit Liverpool with a £3m pay-off
Rafael Benitez's six-year reign as Liverpool manager looked to be over after the club discussed offering him a £3million compensation package to quit with immediate effect. The Spaniard's position has been in doubt since November but the club's American owners were reluctant to pay up his contract to the tune of £16m. He's off: Benitez's relationship with the Anfield hierarchy has grown increasingly uncomfortableLiverpool are now likely to draw up a wishlist including Fulham's RoyHodgson, former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes and Dutchman Guus Hiddink , who was due to take over as Turkeycoach.Benitez's relationship with the Anfield hierarchy has grownincreasingly uncomfortable as he demanded assurances over the summertransfer budget. Those have not been forthcoming and Benitez hasprivately voiced his frustration, despite spending well in excess of £200m during his tenure. Centre of attention: Roy Hodgson has impressed at Fulham He was wanted by Juventus and is Inter Milan's number one choice toreplace Jose Mourinho, but he had told club staff that he wasdetermined to stay. However, the rumbling conflict with the owners looks to have taken thatdecision out of his hands and Benitez is staring at the prospect ofhaving to leave - knowing the board does not want him. Doubts: Owners George Gillett Jr. left, and Tom Hicks were forced to act after Liverpool's seventh-place finish The moves will prompt more questions from fans about the ownership ofTom Hicks and George Gillett but will not come as a surprise, givenLiverpool's seventh-place finish which left them out of the ChampionsLeague for the first time since 2003-2004More to follow Reina urges Liverpool captain Gerrard to reject big-money offer from RealAurelio ready to ditch Liverpool for Europa League finalists FulhamCapello wipes out break clause before jetting off to end Inter Milan's pursuit