Reds sounded out Klinsmann - Report

Hicks claims the talks would not have resulted in the immediate dismissal of the man who led the team to Champions League glory but that Klinsmann was "an insurance policy".

Klinsmann is no longer an option, however, as he has agreed to take charge of Bayern Munich, but Hicks told the Liverpool Echo: "We attempted to negotiate an option as an insurance policy to have him (Klinsmann) become manager if Rafael left for Real Madrid or other clubs that were rumoured in the press. Or in case our communication spiralled out of control for some reason."

The article also claims that had Liverpool tumbled out of the Champions League, the owners would have tried to replace Benitez.

However, Benitez steered the team through with a crucial victory against Marseille in France.

Klinsmann's name has been linked with Liverpool since November.

It is believed to be the root cause of Benitez's testy media conference when he had been told to concentrate on running his team by the owners.

Under such circumstances, winning the FA Cup may be the minimal requirement to stay in his job come the summer. Liverpool face Coca-Cola League One side Luton in a replay at Anfield on Tuesday - and Benitez knows defeat is not an option.

Benitez made it clear before Hicks' dramatic public admission about Klinsmann that he intends to field a strong side.

He said: "We will approach the game with the idea of using our best players, we want to reach the next round. I know it will be a different Luton side. They have lost players now so we know it will be more difficult for them, but they will still try their hardest to win."