TheDailySoccerNews.com

The Turin giants have courted Benitez since sacking Ciro Ferrera in January, with current chief Alberto Zaccheroni in charge only until the end of the season.

Insiders continue to insist Juve have met Benitez’ representatives and want a definite commitment by the end of next week, despite denials from the Kop chief’s camp.

But Juve’s chances of landing him would be severely compromised if they fail to reach Europe’s premier competition with the financial jackpot that brings.

Juve, sixth in Serie A, last summer used a hefty slice of NEXT season’s budget to bring in Brazilian duo Felipe Melo and Diego for a combined near £50million.

But that backfired as they failed to have the desired impact and there is growing turmoil at the club.

Bringing in Benitez, plus a couple of his backroom team and top stars, would cost around £100m, stretching Juve to breaking point.

That means a place in the Champions League is essential if they are to finance a rebuilding campaign.

Failure to do so would mean the Agnelli family, which owns the club, having to pump in a fortune.

But Italian sources insist they are unwilling to.

Benitez prefers to stay at Liverpool, yet is keen to keep his options open. His future is unclear beyond this season and he is unsure about the summer budget.