Liverpool are reportedly ready to approach former Ajax coach Louis van Gaal - but it remains unclear whether it would be for the manager's job, or to become the club's new sporting director.
According to The Sun, sources close to the Dutchman, who has been out of work since he was sacked by Bayern Munich 13 months ago, has been approached by Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre to replace Kenny Dalglish, who was sacked last week.
The Dutchman is said to have been in contention for the newly-created role of sporting director until he revealed he was interested in the managerial hotseat.
However, Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group have hinted that they want to hire a younger manager, which could rule out the 60-year-old's chances.
And according to the Daily Mail, Van Gaal has emerged as the leading contender to become the club's new sporting director as part of FSG's restructuring of the club.
Van Gaal, who has also been linked with Chelsea in recent months, was linked with the Liverpool job in Spring 2011 when it remained unclear how long Dalglish was to stay in charge of the Reds for.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, former Chelsea maanger Andre Villas-Boas, and former England coach Fabio Capello remain the early frontrunners to succeed Dalglish as Liverpool manager this summer.
Martinez has already spoken with Liverpool officials and is scheduled for further talks later this week.
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