Mundo Deportivo and Marca stated that Barca chairman Joan Laporta is contemplating a replacement for the underachieving Rijkaard at Nou Camp.

It was also reported that Laporta is an admirer of Benitez, who had a sparkling history in Spain before taking charge of the Reds in 2004.

The Spaniard won two Primera Liga titles and a UEFA Cup trophy with Valencia between 2001 and 2004.

Apart from that, Benitez's relationship with Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillet has gone downhill in recent months.