Benitez flattered by Juventus speculation

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has stressed he is committed to the club but admits he is flattered by the charm offensive being undertaken by Juventus.

The Italian giants made the Spaniard their top target almost a fortnight ago, and sacking coach Ciro Ferrara yesterday and putting Alberto Zaccheroni in place until the end of the season has only increased speculation about a move for the Reds boss in the summer.

Benitez only signed a new five-year contract, worth a reported £4.8 million (€5.5m) annually, 10 months ago but an early exit from the Champions League and FA Cup and a woeful Premier League campaign have left him under pressure.