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Rafael Benitez has resigned from his position as coach of Spanish champions Valencia after he refused to sign a new contract.
The 44-year-old is the prime candidate to take over from Gerard Houllier at Liverpool, and that looks to be one step closer after leaving La Mestalla.
Che officials had tried to entice Benitez into staying by offering him a fresh two-year deal with more control over the club's signings, but Benitez looks to have been tempted by the lure of The Premiership.
Benitez and his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon met with club director Manuel Llorente on Tuesday morning and, after refusing to sign a new deal, his contract was then terminated when it became clear he wanted to leave.
Anfield is now thought to be Benitez's next destination, as Liverpool are keen for him to replace Gerard Houllier after his exploits with Valencia.
The former Real Madrid coach brought the Spanish title to Valencia in his first season in charge after taking over from Hector Cuper in 2001.
The club regained their title last season and added the Uefa Cup in a glorious campaign, but his success has led to offers flooding in for the talented coach.
The Spaniard speaks good English and is keen to try his hand in The Premiership, while Liverpool want a man who has a proven record of winning titles.
Claudio Ranieri is already being tipped for a return to Valencia, the club he managed for two years from 1997, while Monaco boss and former player Didier Deschamps is also being tipped for the job.
The 44-year-old is the prime candidate to take over from Gerard Houllier at Liverpool, and that looks to be one step closer after leaving La Mestalla.
Che officials had tried to entice Benitez into staying by offering him a fresh two-year deal with more control over the club's signings, but Benitez looks to have been tempted by the lure of The Premiership.
Benitez and his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon met with club director Manuel Llorente on Tuesday morning and, after refusing to sign a new deal, his contract was then terminated when it became clear he wanted to leave.
Anfield is now thought to be Benitez's next destination, as Liverpool are keen for him to replace Gerard Houllier after his exploits with Valencia.
The former Real Madrid coach brought the Spanish title to Valencia in his first season in charge after taking over from Hector Cuper in 2001.
The club regained their title last season and added the Uefa Cup in a glorious campaign, but his success has led to offers flooding in for the talented coach.
The Spaniard speaks good English and is keen to try his hand in The Premiership, while Liverpool want a man who has a proven record of winning titles.
Claudio Ranieri is already being tipped for a return to Valencia, the club he managed for two years from 1997, while Monaco boss and former player Didier Deschamps is also being tipped for the job.
