Liverpool may face a battle convincing Fulham boss Roy Hodgson about taking their manager's post.
The Sunday Mirror says the 62-year-old is working as a television pundit for the BBC at the World Cup and is keen to defuse speculation linking him to Liverpool.
But he remains the No 1 target to succeed Rafa Benitez in the Kop hot-seat after taking Fulham into Europe and to the Europa League final.
It is the kind of challenge that Hodgson would normally relish. But Liverpool have been put up for sale by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and there is uncertainty about who he would be working for.
A change of ownership would immediately put his appointment in doubt. And Liverpool's £350million debts mean any new boss will have limited funds for new players.
Hodgson would also be on any FA shortlist to replace Fabio Capello as England boss.
Capello's future will hinge on his ability to resurrect England's fortunes at the World Cup following draws with the United States and Algeria.
And the highly-experienced Hodgson would be in the frame to replace the Italian after spells in charge of Switzerland, Finland and the United Arab Emirates.