By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers has turned down the opportunity to speak with Liverpool about their vacant managerial position.
EmpicsSwansea boss Brendan Rodgers is highly-rated
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Liverpool are in the process of identifying a replacement for Kenny Dalglish after they sacked the Scot on Wednesday following a poor Premier League season.
Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan confirmed on Thursday that he has granted the Reds permission to have discussions with boss Roberto Martinez, who guided the Latics to top flight survival this campaign.
Promising coach Rodgers had also been targeted, after he enjoyed an impressive debut term as Swansea’s style of football received numerous plaudits.
But the Swans have turned down Liverpool’s request to speak with the Ulsterman, with the coach having spoken with his current club and voiced his wish to remain at the Liberty Stadium.
A club statement read: “Swansea City can confirm that an approach from Liverpool FC to speak to manager Brendan Rodgers was officially received by club chairman Huw Jenkins this morning.
T”he club is pleased to confirm that Brendan has declined the current opportunity to speak to the Anfield club about the vacant position. The Swansea manager is currently working hard to strengthen the squad in readiness for the new Premier League campaign. The club will make no further comment at this stage.”
The Reds have a shortlist of as many as ten names, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp, Marseille’s Didier Deschamp and Ajax’s Frank de Boer among those reported to be potential candidates.
Former England manager Fabio Capello has also been mentioned, but it is understood the Italian favours Chelsea, who are yet to appoint a permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas – with Roberto Di Matteo currently in interim charge.
