Things appear to be going pear-shaped at Anfield and according to reports, Liverpool’s American owners are just itching to sack Rafa Benitez (Daily Mirror). In my opinion, this would be an insane thing to do given the Spaniard's success and potential as Anfield boss. However, it has led to growing rumours regarding where their stars could be heading should Messrs Gillett and Hicks do the unthinkable.

First up, and most importantly, it appears that Steven Gerrard would consider his Reds future should Rafa get the boot (Daily Mirror). It seems hugely unlikely he would stay in the Premier League, hence the rumour that he would head to Barcelona with the increasingly unsettled Ronaldinho possibly heading the other direction. Again this is pure speculation driven by events in the boardroom. I am sure that, contrary to the Mirror’s belief, Gerrard wouldn’t leave lightly although he would surely question any decision to fire Benitez.

Next on the list to leave, again according to the Mirror, is Pepe Reina, a great goalkeeper who would be welcomed by the very best in Europe. Arsenal would be greatly interested in the Spaniard, especially given their own shortage of quality. Even though Manuel Almunia has done a great job, the Gunners are probably still looking for a big-name stopper and Reina fits the bill perfectly.

'I think it is a very real possibility that, should Benitez be sacked, he would take a few months off and then move into the Chelsea job'


The self-same source goes on to suggest that the Liverpool manager would himself become the subject of a bid from Chelsea, who have twice tried to snare Benitezr in the past. Even though Avram Grant has done a good job at Stamford Bridge, it is surely only a matter of time before the Israeli is replaced.

Benitez is an excellent coach with a proven track record so he would have no worries getting another top-level job. I think it is a very real possibility that, should he be sacked, he would take a few months off and then move into the Chelsea job. Liverpool fans would hate the idea, but this is a very real prospect should the board deem it necessary to relieve the manager of his duties.

Such is the haphazard nature of transfer rumours (and believe me, I see a mountain of these every day), that contrary to the beliefs of the Mirror, I believeRafa is about to win a reprieve and is actually lining up one or two top-class defenders.

First up is AC Milan’s Georgian Kakha Kaladze, who has a £4m price tag on him (Liverpool Echo). Apparently it was Rafa’s desire to sign the versatile defender that began the whole row about transfer funds.

Second on the list is Chelsea’s Ricardo Carvalho, a player that Rafa rates highly and apparently, as do Inter Milan (Daily Mirror). He's another quality experienced player Liverpool could do with as they need defensive cover as soon as possible. However, in saying that, the Reds have only conceded six goals in 13 league games and Sami Hyypia’s legs seem to be holding out - so maybe the need is not so urgent.

Of all these rumours regarding Benitez and Liverpool, the last two mentioned look much the likeliest. Let's face it,  those in the decision-making business in L4 must know that to sack the boss could set the side back years.