The News of the World reports that Real Madrid have singled out Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, as their preferred replacement for the under-fire Bernd Schuster.
Schuster is hanging by a thread at the Bernabeu as his side continue to stutter in the Primera Division, which once more appears to be under the rule of an electric Barcelona outfit.
Last night's narrow win over Recreativo de Huelva keeps los Merengues within striking distance of their Catalan rivals, if only temporarily, and may well see their German coach live to fight another day.
Any further hiccoughs from here on in could see Schuster ousted, as it is believed the Real board are thought to have revived their interest in a long-term target.
Benitez has been on his former employers' radar ever since leading Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005 - perhaps even earlier, as he led Valencia to a pair of La Liga crowns prior to his England switch.
The Spaniard has rebuffed the Blancos' advances thus far as he is determined to see out his vision at Anfield, which encompasses a complete overhaul of the youth and reserves teams.
And with the Reds currently flying higher than they have ever flown during the last decade in the Premier League, it would be a huge shock if Benitez jumped ship to rejoin Real.
However, contract talks are yet to enter full swing after months of discussion, and Rafa's relationship with Liverpool's American owners remains tense.
A dodgy offer from Tom Hicks and George Gillett could see Benitez heading straight to John Lennon Airport, but certainly not until the end of what appears a hugely promising season.
Schuster is hanging by a thread at the Bernabeu as his side continue to stutter in the Primera Division, which once more appears to be under the rule of an electric Barcelona outfit.
Last night's narrow win over Recreativo de Huelva keeps los Merengues within striking distance of their Catalan rivals, if only temporarily, and may well see their German coach live to fight another day.
Any further hiccoughs from here on in could see Schuster ousted, as it is believed the Real board are thought to have revived their interest in a long-term target.
Benitez has been on his former employers' radar ever since leading Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005 - perhaps even earlier, as he led Valencia to a pair of La Liga crowns prior to his England switch.
The Spaniard has rebuffed the Blancos' advances thus far as he is determined to see out his vision at Anfield, which encompasses a complete overhaul of the youth and reserves teams.
And with the Reds currently flying higher than they have ever flown during the last decade in the Premier League, it would be a huge shock if Benitez jumped ship to rejoin Real.
However, contract talks are yet to enter full swing after months of discussion, and Rafa's relationship with Liverpool's American owners remains tense.
A dodgy offer from Tom Hicks and George Gillett could see Benitez heading straight to John Lennon Airport, but certainly not until the end of what appears a hugely promising season.
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