Dalglish in frame for Liverpool return

The following story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club:

Kenny Dalglish has appeared to pave the way for a sensational return to the manager's job at Liverpool after informing the Anfield board of directors that he wishes to step down from the selection panel.

The club had issued a statement that Dalglish would lead the search for a successor to Rafael Benítez alongside managing director Christian Purslow but the Scot was thought to be so unimpressed with the shortlist that he decided he would make a better candidate himself.

The 59 year-old's passion for Liverpool runs deep, having won eight league titles with the club before his departure in 1991, and he is apparently convinced he is the man to recover their fortunes after a tumultuous season in which they could finish only seventh.

Although Dalglish has emerged with remarkable speed as the man to replace Benítez, Liverpool are understood still to be seeking permission from Fulham to meet their manager Roy Hodgson by the end of the week.

Hodgson had been viewed as the favourite to succeed Benítez and the 62 year-old has not concealed his desire to take on one last high-profile job, whether as manager of England or at one of the Premier League's leading clubs.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club: