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Rafa Benitez has been approached by Liverpool as their search for a new boss took another twist.

After being snubbed by Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers on Friday, Liverpool have continued their hunt for Kenny Dalglish’s successor by speaking to their former manager.

The Spaniard left Anfield in 2010 before Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool and they are impressed by his CV.

Benitez has been itching to return since quitting Inter Milan 18 months ago and has long hoped to take over from Dalglish.

He feels he has unfinished business, because of the way his six-year reign ended unhappily in June 2010 after Liverpool finished seventh in the Premier League.

The Champions League-winning boss has been plotting a return from his home on the Wirral and has kept in touch with Kop fans groups, who would welcome him back.

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But it is unclear how serious FSG are about Benitez, because they have identified so many candidates and already have permission to speak to Wigan boss Roberto Martinez.

Benitez, 52, may also have reservations about having to work with a director of football as he had established total control on the playing side by the time he left Anfield.