Benitez - Real deal had no appeal - Sport in brief

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And sources close to the Liverpool boss insist that the Spanish giants wanted Benitez before they turned their attention to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

Benitez said: "I said no to Real when they offered me more money than I get here, even though there maybe were greater expectations."

As the Anfield chief prepared his side for Wednesday's home Barclays Premiership game with Middlesbrough, it is intriguing that the Benitez camp are happy to let it be known who was top of Madrid's wish list the week before their Champions League semi-final first leg against Mourinho's Chelsea.

Madrid-born Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry have made no secret of the fact that the Anfield boss rejected an approach from Real last summer.

Now it has been confirmed that the club Benitez played for, coached the youngsters of and was assistant manager at, came back with another deal in the last few weeks.

Benitez has previously been reluctant to be too specific about what has been going on behind the scenes.

But he has now said: "Madrid may be my town, but I am happy here and pleased with everything. We want to stay because of the new ideas and the new owners are very exciting.

"It is so positive for the future. And I could not ignore the noise and support I received from the supporters last week against Eindhoven, it was tremendous and moving. I repeat, I am very happy here.

"It was not a difficult decision. I have an objective here, I explained that when I spoke to the new owners and they told me they would be supportive."