LIVERPOOL FC

Juventus president Jean-Claude Blanc is taking swift action to land boss Rafael Benitez sooner rather than later, claims Il Corriere Dello Sport.

The report claims Blanc has changed his strategy in terms of replacing current coach Ciro Ferrara. He has flown to Liverpool in order to untangle the issues surrounding Benitez and convince him to leave Anfield with immediate effect.

Blanc will use the unease in Merseyside to help sway Benitez. Liverpool's financial woes, as well as uncertainties between the club's board and the Spaniard could help push the move in Juve's favour.

However, there are no guarantees that Blanc's enthusiasm will pay off. As a result, Juve have deployed a second plan that will see Roberto Bettega in charge of bringing a short-term replacement that will take the team forwards until the end of the season.

Alberto Zaccheroni and Claudio Gentile are the favourites for this option. Further developments are expected and an announcement could arrive by the end of Thursday night's Coppa Italia fixture.