Hicks in Klinsmann talks

Hicks: Moved for Klinsmann

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Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has cast more doubt over Rafa Benitez's future at Anfield after confirming the club lined up a move for Jurgen Klinsmann before the German moved to Bayern Munich.

Benitez's position at Liverpool has been the subject of constant speculation ever since his row with Hicks and fellow co-owner George Gillett.

Klinsmann was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool, with Hicks and Gillett believed to be big admirers of the former Germany coach.

Hicks has now sensationally admitted that he tried to negotiate an option to bring the former Tottenham hero to Anfield as a replacement for Benitez.

"In November, when it appeared we were in danger of not advancing in the Champions League, weren't playing well in our Premier League matches, and Rafa and we were having communication issues over the January transfer window, George and I met with Jurgen Klinsmann to learn as much as we could about English and European football," Hicks told the Liverpool Echo.

"He is a very impressive man. We attempted to negotiate an option, as an insurance policy, to have him become our manager in the event Rafa decided to leave our club for Real Madrid or other clubs that were rumoured in the UK press, or in case our communication spiralled out of control for some reason.

"After George and I had our long and productive meeting with Rafa following the Man United match, we put all of our issues behind us and received Rafa's commitment that he wanted to stay with Liverpool.

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"We never reached agreement on an option with Jurgen, and we are both pleased for him that he has a great opportunity to return to Germany and coach a great club team.

"Rafa has both of our support, and our communication has greatly improved.

"Foster, Rick Parry and Rafa now have regular meetings at Melwood on Monday mornings.

"The two families always try to have a telephonic meeting on Monday afternoons, so we all are on the same page. We all want to win more games."

The Spaniard has played down the rumours over his future by saying he is happy at Anfield, but Hicks' comments could see Benitez's position become untenable.