Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been locked in talks with West Ham over a managerial move over the last month. However it is believed that the Champions League winner has now rejected the Hammers in favour of a bigger move.

Former clubs Liverpool and Real Madrid have shown interest in the Spaniard, who is keen to return to Merseyside.

According to Sky Italia, Benitez had a verbal agreement with the Londoners, but he the Napoli manager has backed out of a deal following interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Benitez enjoyed a successful spell with Liverpool and has always been vocal about his love for the Merseyside club. With his family settled in Liverpool, the Spaniard would be tempted to make a return to the club, where he once claimed to have ‘unfinished business’.

However, Sky Italia state that the Napoli manager has had preliminary discussions with Real Madrid, who are looking to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have had a disastrous campaign under Brendan Rodgers as the Reds missed out on a Champions league spot to bitter rivals Manchester United. Further, the Anfield outfit are set to lose Steven Gerrard to LA Galaxy and coveted young forward Raheem Sterling could be on his way out too.

While there are no concrete reports regarding Brendan Rodgers’ future, it is believed that the Liverpool manager could very well be shown the door at the end of the season. In such a scenario, a Anfield return could be on the cards for the fan favorite, Rafa Benitez.