Juventus are planning an end-of-year push for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

The Serie A side have made a dismal start to the season and the storm clouds are gathering round boss Claudio Ranieri.

Reports in Italy insist the Turin club will try to tempt Benitez from Anfield in the New Year unless there is a sharp about-turn in results.

And that has heightened the pressure on Tom Hicks and George Gillett to offer the Kop boss a new contract or risk him being tempted by a bumper offer from Italy.