Liverpool met the Standard Liege hitman’s representatives last week – and have offered a three-year deal worth £10million for the player to join them on a free in June.
Though Anfield is his first choice, the in-demand Jovanovic, also wanted by AC Milan, Birmingham and Valencia, is worried about Benitez’s long-term position.
Kop co-owner George Gillett gave the Spanish coach another vote of confidence in midweek.
Yet despite that – and Liverpool’s win over Spurs keeping them in contention for the Premier League top four – his future remains in serious doubt.
And it is that uncertainty which could leave Jovanovic no option but to reject a dream move to Merseyside.
Sources close to the Serbian star, 28, have confirmed that while no decision has been made, Benitez’s problems mean Liverpool are in danger of missing out.
A pal of Jovanovic told the Daily Star Sunday: “It’s tough for Milan. He loves the idea of playing at Liverpool but he’s wary Rafa (inset) may not be the manager by the time he signs.
“Then there is the problem of Rafa’s record of buying players for big money and not playing them. Milan has been warned about this.”
Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel, Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy are just some of the star names who have fallen foul of Benitez’s controversial rotation system.
And that appears to make Birmingham the favourites to land Jovanovic this month because, unlike their rivals, they want the player now.
In an effort to seal a deal in the current transfer window, the high-flying Blues are promising to match the personal terms on offer to Jovanovic at Anfield .
St Andrews chiefs also say they are ready to cough up the £6.5m fee demanded by Liege.
Our insider added: “You simply cannot rule out Birmingham.
“They are not nearly as big as AC Milan or Liverpool but at least Jovanovic could be sure of playing every week.”
Maxi Rodriguez insists he has joined Liverpool for one thing – a Premier League title medal.
The Argentine midfielder (left) walked into a crisis when he signed from Atletico Madrid last week.
The Reds were immediately knocked out of the FA Cup as Reading pulled off a shock win.
And Liverpool were rocked by losing Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to injury.
But the midweek win over Spurs has made Rodriguez, 29, insistent they are destined to finish in the top four – and then have a tilt at the title next season.
He said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Liverpool can definitely win a league title.
“It’s a group mentality issue really, a mental thing as a team.
“It has been a fairly bad first half of the season but now the top-four finish is a perfectly realistic target for this season.
“Liverpool is a club that can aspire to win trophies and success – and that still applies to this season.”
(lu sur Daily Star Sunday dont on connait la fiabilité et la propension à soutenir les Reds)
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