Liverpool Sound Out Zola

After negotiating the divorce with Benitez, Liverpool are rumoured to be looking to ex West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola to take over the reins at Anfield. Although the little Italian has limited experience, he is seen as the ideal man to manage the club as they complete their transformation from giants of European football to Premiership no marks.

One pundit explained, "Zola is happy to have key players sold from under him and that will be important given the probable departure of Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres and Reina. Zola is also happy to work with a small squad and puts a brave face on failure. That's exactly what Liverpool now needs."

It is unclear whether Zola would take the job if it was offered, however. The Italian is rumoured to be holding out for a job with greater prospects of success. One former Chelsea colleague told us, "Gianfranco took over one poisoned chalice at West Ham and is loath to repeat the error at Liverpool. He will consider the job, but only as a last resort."