Benitez's six-year-rule with Liverpool ends with a sack

London, June 3(ANI): Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's six-year reign at the Anfield is over following the club's worst Premier League season since 1999.

The decision was taken after Liverpool Chairman Martin Broughton and Managing Director Christian Purslow held talks with Benitez, and came to the conclusion that he had lost the support of senior players at the club.

Several of The Reds' stars, including Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, made it clear that they had lost faith in the manager, The Mirror reports.

It is believed that Benitez was offered three million pounds to leave, but he refused it as his contract, which has four years to run, guarantees 16 million pounds. The terms over the pay off were still being discussed.

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee will step in as a caretaker in the short-term, until a replacement is announced.

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic, Turkey chief Guus Hiddink, Benfica's Jorge Jesus and Fulham's Roy Hodgson are being seen as potential candidates to replace him.

Meanwhile, the Spaniard could walk straight into another job, as Italian football giants Inter Milan has established contacts with him.

Inter Milan made their move at the weekend, just when everyone thought they were chasing England manager Fabio Capello.

"Inter have been happy for everyone to think they want Capello as it's taken everyone's attention away from Benitez," an Italian source said.

The Italian team hopes to cash in on Benitez's position, as Capello has signed an England contract until after Euro 2012. (ANI)