Benitez rejected Juventus approach

Benitez was approached in January (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez turned down an approach from Juventus in January but has not been contacted by the Italian club since, according to his agent.

There have been reports this week in England and Italy suggesting Benitez will take the Juve reins in the summer. However, his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon told Press Association Sport this morning: "I have not received any interest (recently) from Juventus for Rafa Benitez.

"I have received interest from Italian clubs for players but not for a coach.

"Juve approached us back in January but we told them that the coach would not be leaving Liverpool this season."

Juve sacked Ciro Ferrara in January and appointed Alberto Zaccheroni as interim boss.

Zaccheroni's contract ends at the end of the campaign.

When asked about the future and Benitez, Garcia Quilon added: "Those are internal matters."

Benitez is under contract with Liverpool until June 2014.

Benitez may be tempted to sit tight following the announcement this morning from the club's owners that they intend to sell.

Quilon admitted in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS yesterday that the club's financial situation could be key to Benitez's future.

"The intention of Benitez is to fulfil the contract that he has with Liverpool until 2014 but it's true that the club is subject to fluctuations in their financial situation," said the Spaniard's agent.

"They could influence the future of the club and therefore Benitez as well.