Olympique Marseille coach Didier Deschamps has hinted he turned down an offer from Liverpool.
The Reds contacted the French champions over their interest in appointing the former France World Cup-winning captain as a successor to Rafa Benitez.
But Deschamps swiftly ended speculation over his future by signing a contract extension which keeps him at Stade Velodrome until June 2012.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is now the hot favourite for the Anfield post with an announcement expected in the next 24 hours.
Deschamps said: "I have been contacted by a great club, and of course it leads you to think.
"It was not a money matter. I have always favoured the sporting aspect.
"I have extended, and I am pleased with it. The chairman wanted it. I am always asking for respect from the players, I had to fulfil my commitment."
