MILAN: Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti said Monday that the club is close to finalizing a deal to hire Rafa Benitez as coach, a news report said.

Moratti was quoted by the ANSA news agency as saying an official announcement might come as soon as Tuesday.

"There are no obstacles," Moratti was quoted as saying, adding that he envisaged a quick resolution to the negotiations. "The agreement, more or less, is done." Benitez left Liverpool last Thursday after five years as manager of the Reds.

The Spaniard would succeed Jose Mourinho, who left Inter for Real Madrid after leading the Italian club to titles in the Champions League, Italian league and Italian Cup this year.

Moratti said Benitez is the right man to maintain Inter's form.

During his time with Liverpool, Benitez led the club to the Champions League title in 2005 and the 2006 FA Cup.

Previously he won the UEFA Cup and two Spanish league titles with Valencia.