Liverpool hope to name Hodgson next week

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

Liverpool hope to name Roy Hodgson as the successor to Rafael Benitez early as next week, according to The Mirror.

Hodgson, 62, has worked miracles at Fulham and led the side to a heartbreaking Europa Cup final defeat this season after saving them from the Premier League drop two years ago.

The ex-Inter head coach is understood to have beaten off competition from Kenny Dalglish and former Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini to top the wanted list for the Anfield hot-seat.

Reds insiders have stated that they are hopeful of completing the deal next Thursday or Friday. Speaking to the BBC, Hodgson insisted he had no news on fresh developments.

"I'm Fulham manager," Hodgson stated.

"I'm perfectly happy at Fulham. To be honest there's a lot of speculation but I can't enlighten you."

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