Benitez keeps Liverpool guessing

Rafael Benitez’s future at Liverpool remains shrouded in uncertainty as the Anfield boss prepares for crunch talks with new chairman Martin Broughton.

Benitez will meet Broughton to discuss his future for the first time this week as Juventus reportedly press the Spaniard to give an answer to their offer of a four-year contract worth 16 million pounds to take charge of the Serie A club.

With star striker Fernando Torres likely to be a transfer target for several clubs including Manchester City following Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, Benitez is keen to find out how much money will be available to rebuild a squad that has seriously under-achieved this season before comitting his future to the Reds.

Liverpool have debts of more than 200 million pounds but Benitez is believed to be determined to ensure Broughton will give him all proceeds from player sales during the close-season to reinvest in the team.

The lack of clarity over Benitez’s situation may have contributed to Liverpool’s lacklustre performances in recent weeks, with Israeli playmaker Yossi Benayoun and Brazilian midfielder Lucas both hinting they are unhappy with the situation.

Benayoun admitted he may leave in the close-season, while Lucas conceded the players were well aware of the uncertainty.

“It is difficult to speak about next season, as we don’t know what changes there will be with the players or the staff,” Benayoun said.

“I don’t know whether I will be here or if I won’t. In a few weeks we will know better.”

Lucas said: “Everyone is aware of the doubts over Rafa’s future. But we do not know what is going to happen.”

Benitez has a contract with Liverpool until June 2014 and his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon said on Tuesday that he wants to stay at Anfield.

He said: “We have not received any offers from any club. Benitez’s aim is to remain at Liverpool and try to help the team improve with new owners.

“He is under contract and his wish is to remain at Liverpool.”