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Rijkaard's agent plays down Liverpool speculation

Frank Rijkaard was dismissed by Galatasaray this week © Getty Images

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Frank Rijkaard's agent insists he has not been approached by Liverpool, after he was touted as a potential replacement for Roy Hodgson at Anfield.

Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton told ESPNsoccernet that Hodgson had a break clause in his deal that would allow new owners NESV to replace the manager within 28 days of their takeover, and rumours have circulated that he could now be on the way out.

Rijkaard, who was dismissed by Galatasaray this week after a disappointing start to the season, has been the subject of speculation and bookmakers have stopped taking bets on him becoming the club's new manager, but agent Perry Overeem has denied holding talks with the club.

"We have not been approached by Liverpool," Overeem told Sky Sports News. "Frank's not thinking about any job at the moment - he wants to put what's happened in Turkey behind him.

"Frank's still in Turkey. Whenever we are approached, if we are approached, we will deal with that then but it's not helpful to get into rumours at this stage."

Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, remains firmly behind Hodgson ahead of Thursday night's game at Napoli.

"It is a little rocky patch we are going through at the moment but as long as the players, manager and supporters all stick together it won't be a problem," he said. "It is very early days in the season and there is a lot of time to go. It hasn't always been rosy playing for Liverpool. Last season wasn't great and I remember going 12 games without a win under Gerard Houllier, so it has not always been plain sailing.

"The spirit in the dressing room is fine but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work out if you win games it is a lot better. The manager is the boss and we should be trying to impress him, not the other way around."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.