Liverpool's star recruits could leave the club if manager Rafael Benitez does not secure an improved contract, according to the News of the World.
Speculation has arisen in recent weeks concering Benitez's situation at Anfield. He was promised a new deal earlier this year, but the club's American owners are yet to follow up on that proposal.
The word around Merseyside is that the Spaniard's patience is beginning to wear thin, as he is uncertain of whether or not he has the full backing of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
The more time passes without a contract on the table, the more likely it will become that Benitez will take matters into his own hands and leave Liverpool.
The former Valencia boss has no dearth of suitors; Juventus have supposedly highlighted him as their top target to replace the under-fire Claudio Ranieri, while Real Madrid have regularly been linked with the 48-year-old over the past two seasons.
And his departure, if and when it comes, could well see a host of first-teamers quit the Kop in protest and follow their wronged manager wherever he may roam.
Fernando Torres is the most significant name mentioned among the potential leavers. The 24-year-old has been a Liverpool fan since his days at Atletico Madrid, but he is one of those expected to support Benitez if push comes to shove.
Pepe Reina, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera also thought to be among Rafa's loyalists. Such big-name departures would crippled the Reds, especially as they have just begun to make headway in the Premier League.
Benitez currently earns £3.5million per year, just over half what his counterpart this afternoon, Chelsea's Luiz Felipe Scolari, is paid.
Speculation has arisen in recent weeks concering Benitez's situation at Anfield. He was promised a new deal earlier this year, but the club's American owners are yet to follow up on that proposal.
The word around Merseyside is that the Spaniard's patience is beginning to wear thin, as he is uncertain of whether or not he has the full backing of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
The more time passes without a contract on the table, the more likely it will become that Benitez will take matters into his own hands and leave Liverpool.
The former Valencia boss has no dearth of suitors; Juventus have supposedly highlighted him as their top target to replace the under-fire Claudio Ranieri, while Real Madrid have regularly been linked with the 48-year-old over the past two seasons.
And his departure, if and when it comes, could well see a host of first-teamers quit the Kop in protest and follow their wronged manager wherever he may roam.
Fernando Torres is the most significant name mentioned among the potential leavers. The 24-year-old has been a Liverpool fan since his days at Atletico Madrid, but he is one of those expected to support Benitez if push comes to shove.
Pepe Reina, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera also thought to be among Rafa's loyalists. Such big-name departures would crippled the Reds, especially as they have just begun to make headway in the Premier League.
Benitez currently earns £3.5million per year, just over half what his counterpart this afternoon, Chelsea's Luiz Felipe Scolari, is paid.
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