Mourinho 'Keen' On Rafa's Job

The Reds' title bid lies in ruins following their midweek home draw against lowly Wigan, and many believe that Rafa's future at the club could be in jeopardy given his shaky relationship with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The Guardian report that Jose Mourinho is looking favourably at the position should it open up.

Jose has been frustrated in his search for a new club for his return to management, with the top jobs at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Milan all seemingly unavailable until the end of the season.

Barcelona and Milan were particularly close to parting company with their respective coaches, but have now decided against it.

Franz Beckenbauer has indicated that Bayern Munich are keen on him, but even that job will only be available only in June. Thus, Mourinho is looking at the Premiership again.

There is no report of a formal approach from Liverpool, but several names have already been linked with the Anfield job. However, his family's unwillingness to move to the cold and wet environs of North-West England coudl be a factor.

"Liverpool is not the same as London," a friend of Mourinho is quoted as saying. "But Liverpool is a big club and Jose loves English football. For now we have to wait."

Despite Rafa's own insistence that he's happy to continue at Anfield (see here), and no indication from the club owners that they will sack him, sources in the English press feel that a change in manager could come sooner rather than later.

The News of the World contradicts Benitez by quoting an anonymous source:

"There was no talk of a new contract when Rafa met with the owners last month.

"He also knows there will be very little money for him this month to buy the centre-half that he believes he needs.

"There is also the problem of Javier Mascherano. He will not sign because he does not know whether the manager is going to be there this season, let alone next.

"Manchester United and Arsenal are bringing in over £2m per home game, while Chelsea can turn to Roman Abramovich. Liverpool don't have the cash to live with them.

"Rafa wants to stay but now he believes he will be sacked because the owners have not shown they will back him."