New Real Madrid president Martin targets Liverpool's Benitez

Liverpool are facing a battle to hang onto manager Rafa Benitez as new Real Madrid president Fernando Martin targets the Spaniard for next season.
 
The Mirror says Benitez has jumped ahead of England chief Sven Goran Eriksson on the wish-list of the Spanish giants after the shock exit of Florentino Perez.

The Kop boss was reluctant to push himself for the job because he knew former supremo Perez likes to sign superstars like David Beckham - at odds with Benitez's team-building style.

But now Perez has gone, a major change of direction is on the cards.

Benitez had a long spell with Real as reserve coach and Liverpool may face a huge battle to keep him.