RAFA BENITEZ is the top candidate to take over as manager at Sao Paulo.
Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton boss Benitez, 64, has been out of a job for a month after being sacked by Celta Vigo.
According to Arquibancada Tricolor, however, the Spanish tactician is the “strongest name” linked with the top job at Sao Paulo.
Talks started on Sunday and appear advanced as both parties are confident there will be a “positive outcome”.
Negotiations have been brokered by super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents some of the best Brazilian players like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.
If Benitez signs with the Brazilian giants then he will be linking up with the same team that denied him the Club World Cup in 2005.
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Liverpool took on Sao Paulo in the final in Yokohama just seven months after the Miracle of Istanbul.
The Reds became European champions after beating AC Milan in a dramatic penalty shootout following an unforgettable 3-3 draw in the Champions League final.
The Merseysiders were then looking to become world champions when they took on the then Copa Libertadores winners.
However, Paulo Autuori’s men prevailed in Japan with a 1-0 victory thanks to Mineiro’s winner.
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Benitez, though, did win the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool the same year.
Steven Gerrard and co defeated then UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow 3-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco.
Daniel Carvalho opened the scoring for Valery Gazzaev’s men but Djibril Cisse equalised for Liverpool to force extra-time.
The Reds sealed the trophy as Cisse completed his brace before Luis Garcia scored the third.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
