Liverpool have contacted Ajax manager Frank de Boer with a view to appointing Kenny Dalglish's successor and it has been reported (by The Sun) that the Dutchman now tops the owners' wishlist. Roberto Martinez, Andre Villas-Boas and Brendan Rodgers have already been contacted in relation to the vacant role although Rodgers turned down the chance to speak about the possibility of leaving Swansea. It would seem the club may not be willing to risk hiring Martinez as a result of no past experience at the top end of a major league and Chelsea's Champions League victory in AVB's absence could convince against the Portuguese coach.

De Boer, on the other hand, would come fresh from back-to-back title successes at Ajax. The 42 year-old also has a wealth of experience playing at the highest level having won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and also tasting success in Spain with Barcelona - Martinez meanwile, may only boast of winning the old Third Division as a player at Wigan and taking Swansea to the top of League One as a manager.

Andre Villas-Boas, however, remains favourite for the role despite a troubled start to his life in the Premier League at Chelsea, which has been further exposed after Roberto Di Matteo's double cup winning triumph as interim manager. Jose Mourinho's apprentice does have the Portuguese league and cup double as well as the Europa League on his C.V after a successful stint as Porto manager.

Former Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola, is also thought to be highly regarded by the Liverpool board but the Spaniard has declared he would like a time out from football after the drain of managing the Catalans.

As mentioned, Villas-Boas currently heads the betting but after going to odds on yesterday has begun to drift this morning and is now available at 11/8. De Boer - 33/1 early this morning - is now second favourite at 3/1 whilst Martinez remains in contention at 7/2. Fabio Capello as well as Guardiola remain remote possibilities given their recent respective terminations, both are 28/1 to replace the departed Kenny Dalglish. Full odds below.