Liverpool expected to announce Rafael Benítez's Anfield exit today

Liverpool are expected to announce the departure of Rafael Benítez as manager today after making progress on the terms of his severance payoff. Anfield officials have held further talks with the player's agent, Manuel García Quilón, since the board decided to offer Benítez £3m to leave the club with immediate effect yesterday . The Liverpool manager was entitled to £16m if sacked this summer under the terms of the £4m-a-year contract he signed in March 2009 but, with the club struggling financially and unable to meet Benítez's demands for assurances over future spending, he has been offered a compromise deal. The final payoff figure may rise above £3m but allow Benítez to take alternative employment without Liverpool demanding compensation. The reigning European champions, Internazionale, are interested in appointing the former Valencia coach as the successor to José Mourinho. Liverpool have declined to comment on Benítez's situation but are expected to release a statement once his exit has been completed.