Liverpool have gone cold on Dutchman Louis van Gaal.

The Reds have been granted permission by Swansea City to hold talks with manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Telegraph says it was swiftly established Rodgers would refuse to work under Van Gaal if he was sporting director.

The Dutchman's dictatorial reputation and determination to impose his own imprint on how the club is run would make it impossible for a young manager to assert his influence.