According to the paper...
...despite needing cash for players, manager Rafa Benitez does not want to sell to their main rivals and would prefer Benayoun to move abroad with another £6million offer already on the table from Spartak Moscow.
The problem for Benitez is that Benayoun, 30, wants the move to Chelsea and will push for a deal to be done.
Aston Villa have also shown interest as they weigh up possible replacements for Manchester City target James Milner.