Benitez shrugs off Juve distraction

WOLVERHAMPTON, England: Rafael Benitez insists speculation surrounding him becoming the new manager of Juventus will not distract him from his task of guiding Liverpool to a top-four place this season.

Juventus are reportedly looking to the Spaniard as a possible replacement for under-pressure coach Ciro Ferrara as the uncertainty about Benitez's future at Anfield persists and financial problems tie his hands in the transfer market.

There are even suggestions the Italian club's pursuit is so serious it has a contract document already drawn up for Benitez and is confident of luring him away from Merseyside, six years after he moved from Valencia to Anfield.