The Times says a change of ownership would not necessarily play into Benitez's hands, as it has been mooted that DIC would favour appointing its own man. Similarly, Rick Parry, the chief executive, may also find himself between a rock and a hard place.

Having given his backing to the Americans over DIC last year, Parry may find he has little support from the consortium, which had previously stated a desire to appoint its own chief executive.