Juve 'agree terms with Rafa to take over'
Turin club's lawyers due in England today for talks to have Liverpool manager in charge for next season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Juventus have agreed terms with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez for him to manage the Serie A club next season, according to authoritative reports from Italy last night.
La Repubblica newspaper reported that the club's lawyers will arrive in England today for talks tomorrow about the release of the manager this summer. Benitez's current contract at Anfield runs until 2014.
Juventus president Jean-Claude Blanc is reported to have "already fixed everything with Benitez and has in his drawer a detailed agreement of his terms and length of contract". Juve are keen to reach an agreement and begin making plans for next season.
The Turin club are also keen to minimise any payment they will have to make to Liverpool, and will be aware of the Premier League club's poor form and rumours that the Spaniard's deal makes him "too expensive to sack".
Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport last night confirmed the arrival of Juve's representatives but insisted that it remains uncertain whether Benitez actually wants to leave Anfield.
Juve dismissed Ciro Ferrara as coach and appointed Alberto Zaccheroni on Friday as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Benitez has come under fire for a spluttering season and doubts over his future intensified with Ferrara's sacking. Benitez signed a new deal in March 2009, intended to keep him at the Merseyside club until 2014, but an early exit in the Champions' League and FA Cup, along with poor Premier League form, has not helped to quash reports of a premature departure.
On Friday, 50-year-old Benitez rejected talk of an imminent move to Juve, saying he was "proud" to be linked with the Old Lady as they are a "top side in Europe" but adding: "I'm happy here and want to do a job as best I can."
Benitez, whose team defeated Bolton 2-0 at Anfield yesterday, said: "I am not here to talk about speculation because people talk too much. I know they [Juventus] were interested, that is part of the game now in football, but I am not ready to talk too much because I don't want to lose my focus."
Former Milan manager Zaccheroni was revealed as Ferrara's replacement until the end of the Serie A campaign, on the back of Juve losing nine of their last 12 games in all competitions.
Their 2-1 defeat by Roma last weekend was their fifth loss in six league games and left them 16 points adrift of leaders Inter. A 2-1 loss to Inter in the Italian Cup on Thursday proved to be Ferrara's last game in charge.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments