Sky Sports: Laudrup wanted

Sky Sports understands former Denmark star Michael Laudrup is a contender for the vacant manager's job at Liverpool.

Liverpool have begun their search for a new boss following the board's decision to axe Kenny Dalglish earlier this week.

The Reds are believed to have a shortlist of up to 12 people they want to talk to about succeeding Dalglish at Anfield.

Wigan's Roberto Martinez has already been given permission to enter discussions with Liverpool.

Danish icon Laudrup is thought to be in the frame for the post, with the 47-year-old believed to be keen to try his luck in England.

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Laudrup is highly-regarded in Europe as one of the best young managers around with his brand of exciting attacking style of play.

Laudrup worked as Morten Olsen's assistant with the Danish national side before he took charge of Brondby in 2002.

After four successful seasons, he left Brondby for Getafe, leading them to the final of the Copa del Rey and the quarter-finals of the old UEFA Cup.

Laudrup has since had spells with Spartak Moscow and Real Mallorca, who he left last September.

Laudrup has been linked with a move to England in the past and the Dane is thought to have admirers inside the corridors of power at Anfield as they look to bring in a new man to get the club back on track.