And the Dallas-based businessman believes he has “paid a terrible price” for being co-owner, but admits the club is not part of his heritage, comparing his ownership to that of two of his local peers.

“I can still be a fan, but I’ve paid a terrible price,” said Hicks. “I’m 64 years old. I don’t want that anymore.

“Jerry Jones is a good friend of mine, but his life and his family’s life is the Dallas Cowboys. Mark Cuban, the (Dallas) Mavericks are his life. This isn’t my life.”

New Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli is keen to formulate the Turin side’s plans as soon as possible and will press Benitez for a definitive answer on his future after Liverpool complete their season at relegated Hull City on Sunday.

The uncertainty over the Spaniard has resulted in inevitable speculation linking a whole host of players away from Anfield, the latest of which is Alberto Aquilani.

Fiorentina have been credited with an interest in Aquilani and his agent, Franco Zavaglia, has acknowledged the Serie A club’s sporting director, Pantaleo Corvino, is an admirer.

“The interest of Fiorentina is not new,” said Zavaglia.

“There are rumours about Aquilani and Fiorentina for three years.

“I don’t think there is anything concrete at the moment, but one thing is for certain, Alberto is a craze of Corvino.

“It is still too early to tell if a deal is possible. First of all the priority is to finish the season well. Then we will know what will be the future at Liverpool.”

Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel has received a World Cup boost after yesterday returning to full training following his broken metatarsal.

The centre-back hasn’t played since being stretchered off in Liverpool’s 3-1 Europa League win at Unirea Urziceni on February 25, but he is now hopeful of being fit for Slovakia’s opening game in South Africa against New Zealand on June 15.