Real Madrid settle on Liverpool boss Benitez

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon wants to bring Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez back to the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of this season.

The News of the World says the scenario unfolded after a long meeting in Munich after Real's Champions League exit at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

It ended with sporting director Pedja Mijatovic being instructed by president Ramon Calderon to find a Spanish boss to replace the Italian.

Benitez, 46, is the leading candidate to land a three-year deal after his success with Valencia.

There has already been a meeting between Benitez and Mijatovic last month, when the Kop chief's options were discussed in light of the Reds takeover by Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

Real were sufficiently encouraged to think that they can prise Benitez away from Anfield.

His agent Manuel Garcia Quilon: "I am in constant contact with Real on many subjects but have to be secret about any theme."

Benitez said: "Real Madrid? I know the club perfectly - it is one of the best in the world and certainly for any Spanish coach it will be a dream to be on their bench."

"It is impossible to discard this but many things would need to pass."