ROY HODGSON is to be confirmed as Liverpool’s new manager in the next 24 hours.
The 62-year-old Fulham boss has been the overwhelming favourite for the job since Rafael Benitez’s six-year tenure was ended earlier this month.
Anfield officials were granted permission to speak to Hodgson following his return from the World Cup finals in South Africa last week where he had been working for the BBC.
Those talks have proved fruitful with Hodgson relishing the chance to transform the club’s fortunes after a miserable campaign saw Liverpool finish seventh in the Premier League.
Fulham owner and chairman Mohamed Al Fayed was desperate to keep hold of Hodgson, who led the Londoners to their first ever European final last season.
However, he has had to admit defeat and the two clubs are expected to tie up a compensation deal worth around £2million.
Liverpool’s four-week search for Benitez’s successor, which was led by managing director Christian Purslow, has seen them speak to a number of top bosses across Europe, including former Real Madrid and Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini and Galatasaray chief Frank Rijkaard.
Aston Villa’s Martin O’Neill, Marseille boss Didier Deschamps, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic and former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes were also linked with the post.
Liverpool legend and club ambassador Kenny Dalglish was keen to get another shot at the job he held between 1985 and 1991 but the fact that he had been out of management for a decade counted against him.
Hodgson, who is likely to bring Fulham assistant Mike Kelly with him to Liverpool, boasts a wealth of experience with his managerial career spanning nearly 35 years and involving stints at no fewer than 12 top flight European clubs and three international jobs.
The highly-respected figure has won the Swedish and Danish league titles, reached two European finals and taken Switzerland to their first World Cup finals in 28 years.
The Croydon-born boss’ journey to the top flight began with an undistinguished playing career in non-league football.
