Rafa Benitez's future at Liverpool remains in considerable doubt with Real Madrid still said to be keen to lure him back to Spain.
The Reds boss, who is coming under increasing pressure at Anfield following a hugely disappointing season, has apparently rejected the chance to manage Real on at least two occasions in the past.
Publicly, the Spanish coach remains committed to Liverpool but speculation is mounting that he will not be in charge come the start of next season with the club's owners weighing up whether to sack him following a poor campaign or waiting to see if Benitez makes it clear he wants to leave for Real.
Juventus also remain keen to lure him to Turin over the summer and, while reports he already has an agreement with the Serie A side in place are wide of the mark, it is believed he has held initial meetings with Juve about the job.
Real would be Benitez's preferred choice and he is thought to be their number one candidate to replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Bernabeu - an outcome made all the more possible following their shock Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon in midweek.