Juventus have stepped up their attempt to poach the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, by proposing to take two of his best players, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano, to Italy with him. The Serie-A club believe they can capitalise on the uncertainty over the future of Liverpool and the manager to instigate a radical overhaul of their own.
The Sunday Times can reveal that Barclays will make a shock £300m refinancing of the club, a move that is likely to lead to its eventual sale and the departure of its unpopular American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Martin Broughton, the chairman of British Airways, has been appointed as chairman of the club while Barclays Capital has been appointed to find a buyer, with analysts believing the club to be worth at least £500m.
Benitez and Torres have both been openly critical of the dysfunctional ownership structure at Anfield in recent weeks, arguing that the team will remain unable to compete at the highest level unless substantial investment is made available this summer. While Mascherano has talked positively of extending his contract at the club, an improved deal remains unsigned. The danger of failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League has provoked internal discussion about replacing Benitez as manager. As the cost of sacking the Spaniard is considered prohibitive at present, the club’s hierarchy may not discourage Juve’s interest.
Benitez’s agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, has been in talks with Juventus and Real Madrid as he forms an exit strategy. Recent statements by Benitez have seen him suggest that more than £60m needs to be spent on the squad this summer to compete with their main Premier League rivals.
The Sunday Times can reveal that Barclays will make a shock £300m refinancing of the club, a move that is likely to lead to its eventual sale and the departure of its unpopular American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Martin Broughton, the chairman of British Airways, has been appointed as chairman of the club while Barclays Capital has been appointed to find a buyer, with analysts believing the club to be worth at least £500m.
Benitez and Torres have both been openly critical of the dysfunctional ownership structure at Anfield in recent weeks, arguing that the team will remain unable to compete at the highest level unless substantial investment is made available this summer. While Mascherano has talked positively of extending his contract at the club, an improved deal remains unsigned. The danger of failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League has provoked internal discussion about replacing Benitez as manager. As the cost of sacking the Spaniard is considered prohibitive at present, the club’s hierarchy may not discourage Juve’s interest.
Benitez’s agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, has been in talks with Juventus and Real Madrid as he forms an exit strategy. Recent statements by Benitez have seen him suggest that more than £60m needs to be spent on the squad this summer to compete with their main Premier League rivals.
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