AC Milan are believed to be interested in hiring Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as their next coach.

Juventus were reportedly the first Serie A club interested in Benitez earlier this year. They had wanted Benitez to replace Ciro Ferrara who presided over a series of poor results.

Although the Old Lady of Turin have since replaced Ferrara with Alberto Zaccheroni, it is believed that the latter is just keeping the seat warm for Benitez.

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri have joined in the race to elect Benitez as their new coach.

The Spaniard has been a surprise link with the Milan hotseat as Leonardo has seen a mini-revival with the club.

They are hanging on to the coat-tails of Inter in the title race and are through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Milan fans will also remember that Benitez was in charge of the Liverpool team when they beat Milan on penalties in the final of the Champions League in 2005.

According to football-italia.net, Juande Ramos is also part of the shortlist to replace Leonardo.