Confusion rife around Anfield

RICK PARRY’S absence on a family holiday was fuelling a sense of confusion and controversy around Anfield.

The Liverpool chief executive is in Barbados while his club remain coy over conflicting reports surrounding Gerard Houllier’s successor and the projected Thai government investment in the club.

Local media reported that Valencia coach Rafael Benitez was on the verge of concluding a deal to replace the Frenchman.

At the same time, Benitez was stating categorically to a Spanish radio station that he intended to stay with the Spanish champions.

Benitez told Valencia-based Radio Nou: “I want to stay at Valencia. It is already a big club.” Liverpool refused to comment, except to say that any announcements would be stalled until Parry’s return in 12 days’ time.

Benitez’s apparent rejection would represent a major blow to the Liverpool board who had unanimously chosen him as the best man to succeed Houllier.

Porto coach Jose Mourinho is also in the frame having publicly admitted his interest in the Anfield job. Martin O’Neill, Alan Curbishley and Gordon Strachan have also been linked with the job.

By the time Parry returns, there may also have been further developments in the Thai government takeover saga.

A Thai government spokesman insisted overnight that a $115m deal had been struck to take just under a 50% share in the club.