How much more will Rafa take?

IT WAS supposed to be the summer when Liverpool laid the final bricks in the quest to bring the Holy Grail of the Premier League crown to Anfield.

Instead, it could turn into the one which sees Rafa Benitez's carefully-constructed platform come crashing down around his ears.

The stunning announcement from club auditors KPMG that there were severe doubts about Liverpool's ability to continue as a going concern has caused panic amongst Kop fans the world over.

And it has driven a juggernaut right through manager Benitez's plans to bring in the superstar names he believes will have them celebrating a first league championship since 1990.

Ultimately, the repercussions of having the rug pulled so dramatically from under his feet could see the Liverpool manager turn his back on Anfield.

Benitez had a shopping list that included Valencia's crack duo of David Silva and David Villa, as well as Portsmouth's Glen Johnson and Napoli's brilliant Argie hitman Ezequiel Lavezzi.

This morning everyone of those names has a red line through it and if the Kop boss had a full head of hair, you would wager every penny he would be tearing it out right now.

Now make no mistake, while the Spaniard got within touching distance of the title this season - they finished just four points behind Manchester United - he remains in the slipstream of both Manchester clubs and Chelsea when it comes to financial clout.

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Suddenly, Benitez is staring at the prospect of players like Middlesbrough striker Tuncay and Pompey centre-back Sylvain Distin - men supposedly wanted to fill around the edges - being THE major summer arrivals.

Barcelona are making increasingly interested noises about taking Javier Mascherano to the Nou Camp while Xabi Alonso is also likely to kick off next season in La Liga with Real Madrid.

And the question Koppites around the planet are asking themselves today is this: How much more will Benitez take?

The Anfield chief has enjoyed - or maybe that should be endured - a stormy relationship with his American employers, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Remember, these are the men who infamously sounded out Jurgen Klinsmann about replacing Benitez 18 months ago when the Spaniard was being linked with a move to Real Madrid.

They are the men who have been constantly outraged at the manager's thinly-veiled digs about dragging their heels in the transfer market and missing out on targets.

When Rafa finally ended months of speculation about his own future and committed to Liverpool on a long-term basis last term, he was at pains to stress his relationship with the Yank duo was fine and dandy.

Yet in reality it has remained no more than an uneasy truce and the accepted feeling is that he is only ever one outburst away from the whole thing exploding again.

If Benitez is one thing it is single-minded, often to the point of stubbornness.

Yes, he will discuss matters with his backroom team but, in the end, only one man's opinion counts - his.

And if he feels his position - or ability to do the job his way - is being undermined by others who don't have a fraction of his footballing knowledge, then thank you and good night.

This is a man, don't forget, who has never suffered what he deems to be fools gladly. Just ask anyone at Valencia five years ago should any doubts remain.

When he felt he was being usurped by those above him there - remember his memorable "I wanted a table and they offered me a lamp" outburst - he had no hesitation in calling time on his tenure at the Mestalla.

And if people feel Rafa is immovable at Anfield, they should not ignore the fact that when he quit Valencia, he did so in floods of tears at leaving the club where he was feted as a Messiah.

Yes, he holds similar affections for Liverpool and is held in equally - if not even higher - regard by the supporters.

But the point here is that by upping sticks from a club AFTER turning them into Spanish champions and UEFA Cup winners, there is absolutely no reason why he wouldn't do so again.

The noises from across the Pond insist Hicks and Gillett are hugely confident of getting a six-month stay of execution on the July 24 deadline for refinancing their £350million loan.

But while all that is well and good for maintaining their own position, it won't exactly have Benitez jumping for joy.

The Americans, for all their lack of football nous, know any chance of making money is entirely reliant on success on the field.

But those hopes of overhauling United and knocking them off the perch they so enjoyed shoving Liverpool off will remain out of reach if the transfer kitty is empty.

Should the manager's chair end up likewise, it's going to be one hell of a long road back.

Liverpool could ease some of their financial worries by sending £7m-rated defender Andrea Dossena back to Italy.

Left-back Dossena joined the Reds from Udinese in July but started just 12 Premier League matches last season.

He is desperate to return to his homeland and is gagging for the chance to join Juventus.

The Turin giants are ready to make a move and Anfield boss Benitez has assured Dossena he will be allowed to go if they receive a suitable offer.

Italy international Dossena, 27, said: "I have spoken with Rafa Benitez. He is a wonderful person and has understood my problem.

"He told me if they receive an offer that satisfies both the club and me, he will facilitate my transfer. I would run to Juve.

"They showed an interest in me last year but then Liverpool stepped in and wrapped things up in less than an hour."

Dossena believes training methods in England have not suited him so Kop fans have not seen the best of him, despite memorable late goals against Manchester United and Real Madrid.

He added: "In England they play continuously and the hardest training session does not last more than 40 minutes - but I need to train longer than that. Now I truly hope to join Juve and start a new life."