London: Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish will spearhead the search for Liverpool's new manager after Rafa Benitez's six-year reign finally ended on Thursday.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson and Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill top the list of targets but Dalglish is understood to be interested in taking over himself at the club where he enjoys iconic status.
The Scot readily accepted the role of kingmaker, in conjunction with managing director Christian Purslow, after Benitez was sent packing with a pay-off in excess of £4 million (Dh21.6 million).
Last night he was urged to take control of the crisis club by former Liverpool stars and fans. Phil Thompson, who was hired by Dalglish in 1986 as Liverpool's reserve-team coach, said: "I can see the logic in a Dalglish appointment until there are new owners.
"Of course I would support Kenny. He was a good team mate, a good manager. He won the title with Blackburn Rovers. He's still very passionate about football. So I can see where that would fit in."
After a troubled end to the Benitez era, marked by rows with his Anfield bosses and a worsening relationship with key senior players, Liverpool are eager to restore order and stability behind the scenes.
They want an established, experienced coach, with an understanding of Europe and ability to cope with pressure, and believe Hodgson fits the bill on all fronts.
While an approach has yet to be made, Liverpool have been heartened by an early indication that Hodgson, 62, would welcome a move to Anfield and, unlike Benitez, would not need substantial transfer funds to revive their fortunes next season.
Benitez dismissed as inadequate a summer budget of no more than £15 million, but Fulham boss Hodgson would back himself to get the best out of players already at his disposal. The former Inter Milan coach has transformed Fulham from relegation strugglers to European trailblazers and has a track record for working easily and successfully with foreign players.
Hodgson is on a 12-month rolling contract with the London club, and compensation should be no more than £2 million.
O'Neill will also figure prominently on Dalglish's list and would jump at the chance of restoring Liverpool's tarnished reputation after becoming increasingly concerned by dwindling transfer funds at Aston Park.
