Speculation is mounting over the future of Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez following a flurry of betting activity on Wednesday morning.
William Hill have suspended betting on their 'next Premier League manager to go' market, while Sky Bet have slashed the odds on Benitez to leave his post before the start of next season to 1/4 from 10/11.
The Reds face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday night and should they get knocked out of the competition, Benitez faces the reality of a trophy-less season.
Liverpool trail runaway Premier League leaders Manchester United by seven points following their disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City at the weekend, adding to the pressure which has built since the turn of 2009.
Despite topping the table on New Year's Day, Benitez has since watched his side throw away points against Stoke, Everton, Wigan and City while an FA Cup fourth-round exit against the Toffees compounded their problems further.
Benitez's infamous outburst towards Sir Alex Ferguson just before their goalless draw at Stoke sparked reports he was beginning to feel the strain, while his ongoing contract negotiations have also led to speculation his time at Anfield could be drawing to a close.
Sky Bet go 11/4 about Benitez being in charge at the start of next season while they have already priced up a market on his successor, with Jose Mourinho leading the way at 5/1 with Guus Hiddink and Luiz Felipe Scolari both available at 8/1.
Sky Bet's Dale Tempest said: "Discussions between Benitez and the club on a new contract seem to have been going on for ages and, if the money we've seen this morning is correct, it would seem that those negotiations have broken down."
Following the clash at the Bernabeu, Liverpool travel to face Middlesbrough in the Premier League before hosting Sunderland the following Tuesday.
The return leg against Real at Anfield takes place on Tuesday March 10, with the crunch top-of-the-table clash away to Manchester United follows on Saturday March 14.
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