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Liverpool not rushing to appoint new manager

Brendan Rodgers has won many plaudits this season © Getty Images

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Liverpool will not be naming their new manager in the immediate future and will interview further candidates before making a final decision, ESPN understands.

Little information has been coming out of Anfield since Kenny Dalglish was sacked at the end of the Premier League season, though it is known Ajax's Frank de Boer, Brendan Rodgers of Swansea and Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp all turned down the chance of an interview.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez flew to Miami on Thursday last week for initial talks with John W Henry and the Fenway Sports Group. It had been speculated that the club could hold a press conference as early as Tuesday to unveil the Spaniard as the successor to Dalglish.

But there is to be no press conference to unveil Martinez or any other candidate as the new boss. Sources at the club have indicated they are still in the early stages of the process and other candidates will be interviewed before a final decision is made.

Reports last week that former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas had already spoken to Liverpool were wide of the mark, while any interest in ex-England boss Fabio Capello was firmly ruled out.

Louis van Gaal is believed to be the leading contender to replace Damien Comolli in the director of football role, though just how hands-on the Dutchman will be in transfer dealings could have an impact on the club's search for a manager.

Speculation in Monday's press suggested Rodgers could be set to do a U-turn and accept an interview for the Liverpool job. And Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is hopeful Liverpool take that option.

Whelan has told ESPN: "If it is true that Liverpool want to speak with Brendan Rodgers it proves they don't know who they want as manager. I hope they choose Brendan Rodgers."

The Wigan chief also confirmed he wants a resolution over Martinez's future by the end of the week, adding: "Roberto has told me he is speaking with Liverpool again on Tuesday. I have now made it clear that I want this sorted out by Thursday at the latest as we have to get on preparing for next season."

But it seems unlikely Liverpool will speed up their process just to satisfy Whelan.

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