The Screamer: Bayern bid for Liverpool boss Benitez

13 April 2012

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been sounded out by Bayern Munich about replacing under-pressure Ottmar Hitzfeld as manager.

The German giants turned to the Liverpool boss after it became clear that, despite topping the Bundesliga, Hitzfeld was unlikely to be offered a new contract, following growing tension behind the scenes.

Target: Benitez is wanted by Bayern Munich

Relations between Hitzfeld and chairman Karl- Heinz Rummenigge have deteriorated so much that the veteran boss has told friends he expects to take over as Switzerland manager next summer, when his Bayern contract ends.

Benitez is Bayern's first choice to take over, and it is believed he has been contacted by intermediaries, but it already seems certain he will quickly rebuff the overtures.

RICHARD CHAPLOW, out of favour at West Bromwich Albion, is a transfer target for Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. The former England Under 21 midfielder has struggled to force his way into manager Tony Mowbray's plans this season. He has made just two Championship starts this term, the last two months ago.

MK Dons boss Paul Ince is the latest manager to be linked with the vacant Preston job.

North End chairman Derek Shaw is also considering Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine and Steve Cotterill.

Burnley have compiled a list of five for Cotterill's job at Turf Moor, including Mike Newell. The club's operational director Brendan Flood said: ' The potential is there to get someone in place by next week.'

MIDDLESBROUGH have recalled Adam Johnson from his loan spell at Watford a month early. Johnson, 20, scored five times in 11 games for Aidy Boothroyd's side. Boro defenders Robert Huth and Emmanuel Pogatetz, on the way back from injury, played in a 2-0 win over Rangers behind closed doors.

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