Liverpool ready to offer Benitez £1M-plus to resist Real Madrid

Liverpool are ready to smash the £1 million-a-year barrier to keep manager Rafa Benitez at Anfield.
 
With Real Madrid circling, Reds chiefs are prepared to open talks over a new contract - and offer him funds to spend during the January transfer window, says the Mirror.

Benitez still has three years to run on his current deal, which is worth in the region of £800,000 a year. Liverpool will be happy to smash through the £1million barrier if they can tie up their manager on a longer contract.

Negotiations will begin in earnest after Liverpool's Club World Championship campaign and club chiefs have also assured Benitez he will be backed in the winter market as he chases a new winger, defender and striker.