The Sun says Benitez heard of the meeting with Klinsmann at Tom Hicks' home in southern California during the Thanksgiving holiday - ahead of his now infamous Press conference in November.

That led to his "as always, I am focused on training and coaching my team" outburst which so annoyed Hicks and Reds co-owner George Gillett.

Relations between manager and employers DID improve when they met last month.

But the truce was at best uneasy - and this morning lies in tatters.

Now unless the Americans sell up and move on there will be a new man in charge at Anfield when next season kicks off.