RAFA STILL AT TOP OF REAL LIST
EXCLUSIVE
By SIMON MULLOCK
RAFA BENITEZ still tops Real Madrid's managerial wish-list.
And the Spanish giants are aware there may be a problem brewing between the Liverpool manager and his new American bosses.
Real will not make a decision on the best man to replace Fabio Capello until Benitez has held critical talks with George Gillett and Tom Hicks after Liverpool's home clash with Arsenal on March 31. Real have drawn up a short list of three names, which also includes Chelsea's Jose Mourinho and former Germany superstar Bernd Schuster, coach at Getafe.
Benitez, who spent time as a player and coach at the Bernabeu, is No.1 choice. But he is prepared to stay at Anfield - if he gets the right assurances from Gillett and Hicks.
It has been suggested that Benitez is concerned that the £450m takeover has not secured the kind of funds he craves. But of greater concern is the lack of communication from the new owners.
Liverpool have already missed out on a string of potential transfer targets because Benitez still hasn't been given a clear indication of his budget.
Sunday Mirror Sport understands one of those targets is a £10m player - believed to be Real Madrid's Robinho.
While no deals can be sealed at the moment, clubs around Europe are vying for positions in the market and Benitez is worried that Liverpool have already conceded negotiating ground.
Benitez said: "It is not about how much money we spend. It is now a question of whether we can get the players we want.
"I am happy and I want to stay. I have confidence that this team will go forward."
CLICKY - Sunday Mirror
EXCLUSIVE
By SIMON MULLOCK
RAFA BENITEZ still tops Real Madrid's managerial wish-list.
And the Spanish giants are aware there may be a problem brewing between the Liverpool manager and his new American bosses.
Real will not make a decision on the best man to replace Fabio Capello until Benitez has held critical talks with George Gillett and Tom Hicks after Liverpool's home clash with Arsenal on March 31. Real have drawn up a short list of three names, which also includes Chelsea's Jose Mourinho and former Germany superstar Bernd Schuster, coach at Getafe.
Benitez, who spent time as a player and coach at the Bernabeu, is No.1 choice. But he is prepared to stay at Anfield - if he gets the right assurances from Gillett and Hicks.
It has been suggested that Benitez is concerned that the £450m takeover has not secured the kind of funds he craves. But of greater concern is the lack of communication from the new owners.
Liverpool have already missed out on a string of potential transfer targets because Benitez still hasn't been given a clear indication of his budget.
Sunday Mirror Sport understands one of those targets is a £10m player - believed to be Real Madrid's Robinho.
While no deals can be sealed at the moment, clubs around Europe are vying for positions in the market and Benitez is worried that Liverpool have already conceded negotiating ground.
Benitez said: "It is not about how much money we spend. It is now a question of whether we can get the players we want.
"I am happy and I want to stay. I have confidence that this team will go forward."
CLICKY - Sunday Mirror
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