Klinsmann is Kop target as Rafa's future looks bleaker

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Klinsmann can count on influential support within Anfield if owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett decide to sack Rafa Benitez in the wake of weekend claims that the Spaniard fears he will be axed at the end of the season.

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Sportsmail understands Liverpool's American owners, in particular Gillett, see the German as an ideal choice should they finally run out of patience with Benitez over what is being viewed as more agitating by the former Valencia coach.

Although the widely reported quotes about his misgivings were not attributed to him, the manager's attempts to distance himself from them have been called into question in Anfield circles.

If Gillett and Hicks conclude that he was instrumental in causing more turmoil behind the scenes, it could hasten his departure when the pair meet chief executive Rick Parry today to discuss his increasingly precarious position.

As the Americans considered whether they dare risk an angry backlash from pro-Benitez fans, backing for Klinsmann appeared to be gathering momentum.

Gillett is believed to be a fervent admirer of the former Germany striker, who has taken a break from football at his home in Newport Beach, near Los Angeles, since quitting as his country's national coach in the wake of a successful World Cup campaign 18 months ago.

He was said by friends to have been 'very interested' in the England job that eventually went to Fabio Capello and is now eager to take the reins at a top European club with a tradition of challenging for honours.

'He is very keen to work again and is actually getting quite restless,' said a source close to the former Tottenham striker. 'There was no official contact from the FA about the England post, but the Liverpool job would appeal to him.'

Klinsmann's knowledge of English football and command of the language would also count in his favour should Benitez's sense of foreboding prove well founded.

His coaching prowess came to the fore in last summer's World Cup, when he galvanised a Germany squad written off as no-hopers and guided them to the semi-finals where they suffered an extra-time defeat to eventual champions Italy.

With Benitez, who has been at the helm for three-and-a-half years, evidently resigned to being on borrowed time, Jose Mourinho has also let it be known he would respond favourably to any approach from Anfield.

The former Chelsea boss has indicated to friends that replacing the under-pressure Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona is far and away his prime objective but he has also admitted to a growing frustration at his continued inactivity.

Anfield apparently figures on his top-three list of preferred destinations, but Hicks and Gillett may think twice about dismissing a manager for trying to exert too much control and turning to one who is renowned for operating in the same way.

As Benitez waited for the outcome of today's meeting in America, called initially to assess progress over a new stadium but expanded to take in the latest outburst over the Spaniard's deteriorating relationship with the owners, it transpired there may be some doubt over a perceived £6million pay-out for being sacked.

It was initially thought Benitez would be in line for such a windfall under the terms of his contract, but Anfield chiefs feel they are not duty bound to pay that much and may dispute it.

Benitez has at least been allowed to recruit the central defender he needs after putting the finishing touches to a £6.5m move for 23-year-old Zenit St Petersburg's Martin Skrtel.

While his arrival provides Benitez with the defensive options he has been lacking, the contentious issue of Javier Mascherano's future remains unresolved.

Benitez has been denied the £17m required to turn the Argentina midfielder's loan move into a permanent transfer for the time being and there are fears that Barcelona or Juventus could see it as an opportunity to prise him away.

Luton were last night investigating claims that Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher confronted a group of Luton fans who taunted him as he warmed down after Sunday's 1-1 FA Cup draw at Kenilworth Road.