Rafa Benitez was Real Madrid's first choice to replace Bernd Schuster as manager, according to reports in Spain.
Catalan-based newspaper Sport claims Real made an approach for the Liverpool boss, but were told Benitez could not leave Anfield mid-season.
The Bernebeu club then appointed former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos, who was available to start immediately after being replaced by Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.
The report was made in the paper's 'Confidential' section, which also suggested Real Madrid could make another attempt to sign Benitez at the end of the season.
Ramos only has a contract until the end of the season and failure to win La Liga or the Champions League could see Real in the market for yet another manager.
The club are currently fifth in Spain's top flight, 12 points behind rivals Barcelona.
Real will play Benitez's Liverpool in the first knock-out stage of the Champions League on February 25 and face a tricky return leg at Anfield on March 10.
Benitez was Real's favoured target as the Spaniard coached at the Bernebeu in numerous backroom roles for almost a decade in the 80s and 90s.
The Liverpool boss, 48, was born in Madrid, played for Real as a youngster and was appointed youth coach in 1986.
Benitez also has a proven track record as a manager in Spain, winning La Liga twice and the UEFA Cup in three remarkable years with Valencia.
The first Spaniard to manage in the English top flight, Benitez has reiterated his pedigree in European competition by leading Liverpool to glory in the Champions League in 2005 before taking them to the final again two years later.
Liverpool also won the FA Cup in 2006 and currently sit top of the Premier League as they bid to win their first league title for 19 years.
Catalan-based newspaper Sport claims Real made an approach for the Liverpool boss, but were told Benitez could not leave Anfield mid-season.
The Bernebeu club then appointed former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos, who was available to start immediately after being replaced by Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.
The report was made in the paper's 'Confidential' section, which also suggested Real Madrid could make another attempt to sign Benitez at the end of the season.
Ramos only has a contract until the end of the season and failure to win La Liga or the Champions League could see Real in the market for yet another manager.
The club are currently fifth in Spain's top flight, 12 points behind rivals Barcelona.
Real will play Benitez's Liverpool in the first knock-out stage of the Champions League on February 25 and face a tricky return leg at Anfield on March 10.
Benitez was Real's favoured target as the Spaniard coached at the Bernebeu in numerous backroom roles for almost a decade in the 80s and 90s.
The Liverpool boss, 48, was born in Madrid, played for Real as a youngster and was appointed youth coach in 1986.
Benitez also has a proven track record as a manager in Spain, winning La Liga twice and the UEFA Cup in three remarkable years with Valencia.
The first Spaniard to manage in the English top flight, Benitez has reiterated his pedigree in European competition by leading Liverpool to glory in the Champions League in 2005 before taking them to the final again two years later.
Liverpool also won the FA Cup in 2006 and currently sit top of the Premier League as they bid to win their first league title for 19 years.
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