Sampdoria owner Riccardo Garrone has confirmed that the Serie A club are interested in appointing Rafa Benitez as the club's manager.

Benitez has been out of work since leaving Inter Milan in 2010, and he has made no secret of his desire to return to the game.

"Benitez? We are discussing this matter. We are currently in a phase where it's still a 'work in progress. There's an interest from his side, too. However, there's nothing concrete as of yet," Garrone stated to Sky Sport Italia.

Sampdoria secured promotion back to Italy's top flight last season.