A round-up of today's other soccer stories
Juventus give Benitez deadline
JUVENTUS have asked Rafael Benitez for a decision on his career plans within the next 10 days as they attempt to finalise their shortlist to succeed Alberto Zaccheroni at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Liverpool manager remains the Italian club’s preferred choice to lead them from this summer, as has been the case since they sacked Ciro Ferrara and installed Zaccheroni as a stop-gap appointment in January, when Benitez was reluctant to walk away from his lucrative Anfield contract mid-season.
Juventus still believe they can entice the Spaniard to Turin, however, but want assurances of his interest as they plan for a new era that will include increased transfer spending this summer and, in the 2011-’12 season, a new 41,000-capacity stadium.
Other candidates are believed to include the current Brazil coach, Dunga.
Benitez is also under consideration by Real Madrid, as the club he served as player, youth-team coach, reserve-team coach and assistant manager discuss the options to replace the current coach, Manuel Pellegrini, should he fail to win La Liga this season.
Despite firm interest from Real and Juventus, a poor season with Liverpool and his public frustrations with the financial constraints at Anfield, Benitez would prefer to remain on Merseyside providing serious investment materialises in the coming months.
Liverpool’s managing director, Christian Purslow, has been conducting a global search for new investors since last year but the club’s co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, in the absence of an offer that meets their asking price, have sought an extension to their refinancing deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland.
An announcement on the Americans’ plans for Liverpool, to include confirmation of their intention to sell and the appointment of the British Airways chairman, Martin Broughton, as the club’s new independent chairman, is expected today, the eve of the 21st anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
Fernando Torres, meanwhile, could be fit to face his former club Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final next week, according to the specialist treating the striker’s latest knee injury in Spain.
Guardian Service
Rooney to make quick return
WAYNE Rooney has declared himself available for the remainder of Manchester United’s faltering title campaign after undergoing intensive treatment on his damaged right ankle.
Rio Ferdinand’s availability for Saturday’s game against Manchester City is not so clear as he has a groin problem. Ryan Giggs has hamstring trouble and may miss out unless there is an improvement in the next few days.
Guardian Service
Hunt ruled out for rest of season
HULL’S survival hopes have been dealt a major blow with the news leading scorer Stephen Hunt has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.
The club were hoping the republic of Ireland winger Hunt would be fit to return last month but his recovery has not progressed as hoped and Hull have now admitted he will not be available for any of the run-in.
Training injury sidelines Iniesta
BARCELONA midfielder Andres Iniesta is set to be sidelined for a month after picking up a hamstring injury in training yesterday.
The first match he will miss is against Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga at Camp Nou tonight (Live on Sky Sports 2, 9pm).
