The future of Rafa Benitez as Liverpool chief is looking precarious after leading bookmakers suspended betting on Kenny Dalglish being his successor. The Spaniard rejected a fifth draft of a new contract last weekend.

Now leading bookmakers William Hill and Sky bet have suspended betting on whether Benitez will leave Merseyside to be replaced by former Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish.

Rupert Adams, a spokesman for William Hill said: "We would be very surprised if Rafa is still the Liverpool boss by midnight on Sunday."