Juve Set Sights On Benitez

Juve Set Sights On Benitez

As Liverpool continue to stall over Rafael Benitez's contractual situation, reports from the continent indicate that Juventus are targeting the Spanish manager...

According to The Sun, Juve have singled out Benitez as a potential replacement for the under-fire Claudio Ranieri.

The Bianconeri are enduring an indifferent start to the 2008-09 season, and Ranieri's position in Turin is under serious threat after Sunday's disappointing defeat to Palermo.

Meanwhile, Benitez's future at Anfield is shrouded in uncertainty as no contract talks have been forthcoming - even though the club's American owners promised in January that the ex-Valencia boss would be offered a lengthy new deal.

Rafa's current contract has 18 months remaining, but the Kop boss hinted yesterday that he would like the security of an extended deal so he can begin putting long-term plans into action.

If Benitez were to depart Merseyside, alarms would be instantly raised over the future of Liverpool's vast Spanish contingent. Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with Juve during the summer, and his renewed importance in Rafa's scheme could see him follow his manager to Italy.

However, with the Reds flying in all competitions, it is highly unlikely that Benitez or Alonso are considering an Anfield exit at this point in time.

Mike Maguire