Benitez was aware of Klinsmann pursuit

Rafael Benitez knew of Liverpool's interest in Jurgen Klinsmann before it became public knowledge, but he remained in the dark over the club's future last night as Tom Hicks attempted to improve relations with his joint chairman George Gillett.

Gillett is considering whether to commit to a €470 million loan that he and Hicks are on the brink of finalising with the Royal Bank of Scotland and the US-bank Wachovia, or to confront his business partner with an offer to purchase the Texan's 50 per cent interest in Liverpool using funds provided by Dubai International Capital.

Hicks, however, is adamant he will not sell his stake in Liverpool as he attempts to bolster the club's value by starting work on a new stadium. It is believed he has also attempted to allay Gillett's concerns over the size of the debt placed on the club and vowed not to repeat the PR disasters - such as this week's admission of an approach to Klinsmann - that have turned Liverpool supporters vehemently against their regime.

The €470 million loan that would strengthen the Americans' hold on Anfield should be secured in the next few days barring a late U-turn from Gillett, placing Benitez's long-term future at the club in serious doubt.

The Liverpool manager hopes the instability surrounding Anfield will draw his playing staff together and foster the team spirit required to deliver a trophy and, by extension, possibly save his job.

"The situation may have brought everyone closer together, for sure," he said yesterday. "When you play well and score five goals (against Luton) after some draws, it shows the team spirit is much better and the confidence of the players is higher. That's one of the keys if you want to win trophies, you need a good team spirit. It's easier when you are winning, so we need to win some games in a row and everything will be much better."

Benitez admitted he was aware Klinsmann had been approached about his job by Gillett and Hicks but, maintaining the diplomatic stance he has adopted since his rift with the Americans erupted in November, the Spaniard would not elaborate on the implications for his future.

"There were a lot of people talking during this time but my idea is to concentrate on the game. I knew the best answer as a manager is to win games, now, always and forever," he said. "I had some information (on this week's revelations), but I was just thinking about the FA Cup."

Liverpool supporters' groups are currently attempting to organise protests against the Gillett and Hicks' regime ahead of Monday's home game against Aston Villa.

England striker Peter Crouch insists he is happy to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place. The 26-year-old has been the subject of much speculation having fallen down the pecking order at Anfield.

However, Crouch has no wish to leave. "Everyone talks about me talking to clubs. Maybe it's because I'm not playing every game but at a club like Liverpool you're not going to play every game," he said.

Scotland midfielder James McFadden (24) yesterday completed his €6.3 million move from Everton to Birmingham City.

Celtic will be without Republic of Ireland international winger Aiden McGeady for today's Scottish Premier League game against Kilmarnock at Parkhead. McGeady should have missed the Old Firm derby through suspension but the game against Rangers was postponed and he will serve the ban today instead.

English Championship side Watford yesterday signed West Ham defender Calum Davenport (25) on a one-month loan.

The IFA yesterday confirmed that Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has signed a new two-year deal.

Kilkenny City yesterday confirmed that the club has withdrawn from the League of Ireland because of lack of finance and inadequate support.