KOPTALK sources are speculating that Rafa Benitez could quit the club before the end of the month as a result of more broken promises by the club's American owners.
Tired of taking on the club's owners over previous broken promises, it has been suggested to us that the manager could quit on or around August 26th which would mean his last game could be the televised clash against Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday 24th.
A resignation on the 26th would mean the news would be on the back pages of every newspaper in Europe on the morning of 27th and read by hundreds of journalists, football managers and executives who will be on flights to Monaco for the Champions League draw.
Benitez finds himself in an untenable position having allegedly been prevented from pushing through a deal for David Silva and other major European targets as a result of the club's owners not handing over promised funds. Even a deal for Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta is said to have been blocked by the owners.
It has been suggested that Benitez would prefer to walk now - opposed to later in the season - to give someone else a chance to do as much as they can, out of respect for the club and fans and also to preserve his reputation. Journalists are already circling above him predicting a finish outside the top four and he's fully aware of this.
Numerous reports across Europe today state that Benitez is unhappy with the figures told he has left to spend this summer.
Dave Maddock (The Mirror) says Benitez has been left "devastated" by the owners stance on funds with the highly regarded Tony Barrett (The Times) stating that the boss "will have to trim his squad to bring in the funds he needs or sign a cheaper centre back, even if he does not meet the Spaniard's standards."
It's clear that those two journalists - and others including those at The Telegraph and Express - were fed details from the Benitez camp about how this matter is brewing internally. And that's just the UK.
In Spain they're reporting that Silva wanted the move to Liverpool but the money Benitez was going to use to fund the deal has not been given to him. The player's agent says differently - preferring instead to say his client is happy at Valencia - but we don't believe him.
Later in the day the Liverpool Echo confirmed that Benitez has held urgent talks with the club's managing director Christian Purslow about the situation.
In the latest edition, The Echo states: "...it is Benitez's transfer budget, or the lack of it, that is causing serious problems at the club."
The Echo also quotes a source as saying: "The figures have changed since Rafa signed his contract. He has sold several players and raised a lot of money, but is not being allowed to spend it."
At today's pre-match press conference the boss was repeatedly asked about his transfer kitty but would only say: "I do not want to discuss money."
Benitez has been told if he wants to buy anyone else of significant value that he must sell but nobody is attracting any firm interest other than Albert Riera.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are trying to lure the winger away from Anfield but according to information supplied to KOPTALK, the player doesn't want to leave and Benitez has made it clear he's not available. Whether or not those above him feel the same way, we don't know. Nothing would surprise us now with Gillett and Hicks trying to raise funds to clear the debts they have piled onto the club.
We're not for one minute suggesting that Benitez will leave but we are very, very worried. It's certainly more likely now than ever before.
We've been in talks for hours with KOPTALK sources today and they're of the opinion that unless Gillett & Hicks take immediate action, then Benitez will walk with his head held high before enduring a season of negativity and frustration.
There is still time for the owners to show their support to the manager before the window closes. He doesn't want to leave the club but once again he's found his hands tied.
Sadly the majority of Liverpool fans continue to watch developments rather than getting involved. We would urge all supporters to take part in an collective effort to put pressure on the owners to leave the club.
Your location or financial status is no excuse. There are ways that you can help. Your opinions about what good would it do should be put to one side.
We would ask you to visit
http://www.spiritofshankly.com and see how you can help. If you're unsure, email them and ask. Sit and do nothing, and Liverpool could become the next Leeds United or Newcastle.
Spirit Of Shankly have not asked for any kind of promotion. We purely refer to them as we believe they are our only hope at the moment. Whether you agree with their policies or not, they deserve a pat on the back for trying which is more than what most are doing.
All eyes on Rafa Benitez's post-match interview when Liverpool entertain Villa in front of the cameras. If we see some proper activity before then, maybe we can relax a little. But even if he doesn't walk this month, we can't see this relationship holding out for much longer, we really can't.
Rafa's no fool, that's evident by the dates that have been mooted. Hopefully it won't come to that.
