An Anfield insider told News of the World: “The manager wants to stay for a long, long time and has made that clear. But there has been no movement on a new contract despite one of the owners saying it was a priority earlier this year.
“That has set the alarm bells ringing with Rafa. At this stage of his career, he wants to plan for the future. There has already been massive interest in him from Spain and Italy.
“But the crucial thing for Liverpool is that around half a dozen players see their future as being tied in with Rafa’s. There would be a rebellion if Benitez had to leave.”
Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Dirk Kuyt, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel and Albert Riera could all leave the club should Liverpool fail to secure Benitez’s long-term future.
Benitez’s contract with Liverpool expires in June 2010, but the Spaniard wants a wage increase.
