Inter Milan chief Lele Oriali has confirmed they're ready to pounce for Rafa Benitez. Benitez is finalising severance pay with Liverpool today after the board chose to end his tenure during talks yesterday.

The Spaniard is currently in Italy, in Sardinia, and could immediately travel to Milan to finalise terms with Inter - which are willing to double his previous £4 million-a-year Reds contract.

Oriali said this morning: "We really like Benitez and think he is the perfect option.

"There is already a mutual respect - remember Istanbul?"

Oriali was referring to Liverpool's shock Champions League final win over Inter's city rivals AC Milan.