Kenny Dalglish Is Candidate For Permanent Liverpool Job

New Liverpool caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish will be a candidate for the post on a permanent basis.

The Scot is in charge until the end of the season, with director of football Damien Comolli tasked with finding Roy Hodgson's long-term successor.

Asked whether former Reds player and manager Dalglish would be considered Comolli said: "The answer is yes."

Dalglish added: "If I do really well and someone better than me comes along I will have no problem whatsoever."

Dalglish, who won eight league titles as a player and a manager with Liverpool between 1977 and 1991, applied for the job in the summer after the departure of Rafael Benitez, only to be overlooked in favour of Hodgson.

But when a dismal run of results brought a premature end to Hodgson's reign on Saturday the club turned to the Anfield legend to take charge until the end of the season.

That gives Dalglish a chance to stake his claim for the long-term job while Comolli scours the globe for a viable alternative.

Asked what the criteria were for identifying the next permanent manager, Comolli said: "Competence, someone who will fit into the club and playing philosophy and huge on man-management - the three things most important to the club.

"It is open to people that we think fit into what I have described and Kenny obviously fits into that category.

"There will be a thorough search of what we want to do, where we want to get to and we will talk to Kenny about it and see where it takes us."

Dalglish, speaking to journalists at Anfield on Monday for the first time since he was appointed, insisted he is happy with his current caretaker role and denied seeking any assurances for his long-term future when he was offered the job by Liverpool co-owner John Henry.

"My understanding is that it's until the end of the season and that's no problem for me," said Dalglish, whose first match in charge ended in a 1-0 FA Cup third-round defeat to arch rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

"I've heard stories about demanding this and demanding that, but when I was phoned on Saturday morning and asked if I'd take the job it was a straightforward 'yes' and that was it for me.

"There's no conditions, no promises, there's nothing. I came back to work at a club that myself and my family are eternally grateful for many things they have done for us and when I was asked to do it there was no way I was going to be disrespectful and say 'no'.

"I am here to be of help to the club and if that means Kenny Dalglish is not the manager that is not a problem.

"If at the end of the season the owners have their eyes on someone else then I have no problem stepping aside because if I didn't I wouldn't be true to my word.

"I would do it readily if it meant the club improving."

Liverpool will resume their stuttering Premier League campaign at Blackpool on Wednesday.

And Dalglish joked that in the current climate he may be fortunate to see out the season with the Reds.

"If I can get to the end of the season then I'll probably end up as one of the longest-serving managers in the Premier League any way," he said.

Comolli, who has previously worked for Arsenal and Tottenham, was appointed by new owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) in November to help the club identify potential transfer targets.

But the Frenchman insisted Dalglish would have the final say on all new signings.

"As I have always said, if Kenny is not happy with a player we think could make the team better, or if he thinks it is not the right timing, it will always be down to the manager to say he is not happy."

Dalglish said he has not had time to think about transfer targets yet.

"I am sure the owners have an opinion about the football club, they own it so they are entitled to, but that is why they put Damien in his position and me in mine," he said.

"They will leave it in our hands as to whether we need players or not."

New Liverpool First-Team Coach Steve Clarke Couldn't Turn Down Chance To Work With Kenny Dalglish

Steve Clarke has spoken of his excitement at joining the coaching staff at Liverpool after the former Chelsea assistant manager was appointed as first-team coach at Anfield.

Clarke, who played over 500 senior matches for St Mirren and Chelsea, was assistant manager at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho, and also at West Ham United under Gianfranco Zola.

"I was sat at home doing nothing and now I've got the chance of working with a football great in Kenny Dalglish and also working for one of the world's leading football clubs" Clarke told Liverpool's official website.

"This was something I couldn't turn down.

"I am grateful for everybody who has given me such a warm welcome, especially all those here at Melwood.

"I am really looking forward to working with Kenny and the rest of the staff to help bring good times back to the club."

Kenny Dalglish Has 'No Problem' With Short-Term Liverpool Stay

Kenny Dalglish's second stint as manager at Liverpool may yet be extended beyond the end of the season, but for now the Anfield legend is just focused on improving a group of players who have so far under-achieved this term after revealing that he has no trepidation about the short-term nature of his return.

The 59-year-old will take the managerial helm at Anfield until the end of the season, something with which he insists he has no concerns about.

“My understanding is that it’s until the end of the season, and that’s no problem for me,” Dalglish told the assembled media on Monday.

“I’ve heard stories about demanding this and demanding that. I got a call Saturday morning, I got asked if I would take the job, and it was a straightforward ‘yes’.

“I came back here to work at a club to which myself and my family are eternally grateful, and if I can get to the end of the season I think I’ll be one of the longest-serving managers in the Premiership.

"If I do really well and someone better comes along, it’s not a problem. I’m here to help in any way shape or form I can.”

Liverpool currently lie in 12th position, with just 7 wins from 20 games in the Premier League following the reign of Roy Hodgson, something which Dalglish accepts isn't good enough, but is sure that he can put right, despite a decade away from management.

“The squad of players is much better than the form table and points gained so far suggest," Dalglish said.

“Football hasn’t changed. It’s about players and your relationship with them, imparting your knowledge to them."

Dalglish also had his say on the furore surrounding Ryan Babel, and his posting of a doctored photo showing Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt on Twitter, something that the manager saw as “just a bit of fun".

He added: “The FA should look into it and try to find a sense of humour."

€10m Dutch Ace To Be King Kenny's 'First Signing'

Ricky van Wolfswinkel will be the 'first signing' of the new Kenny Dalglish reign at Anfield, according to Metro.

The FC Utrecht frontman is one of the hottest prospects in Dutch football and has hit the ground running this year with 11 strikes in 17 starts; adding to his tally of 10 goals last season in his debut campaign at the Stadion Galgenwaard.

It had initially been reported by talkSPORT last month that Liverpool had made a formal bid for the 21-year-old and now Metro suggests that, despite competition from Napoli, a deal could soon be concluded.

During his brief tenure at Liverpool, Roy Hodgson was adamant the club needed to bring in attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window and Reds owners New England Sports Ventures look likely to heed his advice - albeit too late for the former Fulham boss.

Van Wolfswinkel would certainly provide Liverpool with the added potency they so crave in the pursuit of Premier League salvation and could make for a dynamic partner for Anfield star Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard has failed to hit the previous heights he enjoyed with Liverpool in the seasons preceding this and is likely to benefit from having the goalscoring burden removed from his shoulders.

But temporary Liverpool boss Dalglish believes the 26-year-old will soon be back to his sensational best.

"Fernando Torres has got a magic wand. We have great aims to build on and it is up to us to get him going," said Dalglish after Liverpool lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup.

"He wants to do it, you can see he wants to do it, and we'll get him going sooner rather than later."

Dalglish To Swoop For €20 Million Ashley Cole Replacement

Liverpool caretaker manager is set to seal a move for Benfica left back Fabio Coentrao as his first signing in January, according to reports.

The new Reds boss wants to bring in a replacement for Paul Konchesky, one of Roy Hodgson’s high-profile flops, to improve their defence.

Alongisde Damian Comolli, Dalglish has amended Liverpool’s January transfer wishlist, which now includes Ryan Shawcross and Ricky van Wolfswinkel at the top.

Coentrao is one of the best full backs around and would be a significant coup for Liverpool and possibly signal signs of better things to come for the remainder of the season.

Dalglish knows he needs to bring a number of new signings into Anfield this month if he is to drag Liverpool out of trouble and a treble swoop would be a good way to announce himself.

The Portuguese was thought to have agreed a move to Chelsea to eventually become Ashley Cole’s replacement at Stamford Bridge last month but those reports seem to have been false.

Cole has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this season so Coentrao was thought to be a target for Carlo Ancelotti but the England international has stayed loyal to Chelsea and looks set to see the season out with them.

And, with Chelsea deciding not to pursue Coentrao, Liverpool is set to swoop for a player who was looking forward to playing in the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool Given Green Light To Make Move For Spanish Star

Liverpool have been given the green light to make a £17m offer for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo.

Negredo, 25, has been attracting interest from a number of top clubs following his impressive displays in La Liga.

Liverpool are keen to bolster their forward line and give some much needed support to Fernando Torres who looks well below his best this season.

Kenny Dalglish has just taken charge of first-team affairs but the club has been working hard to bring new faces into the squad.

Reports in Spain suggest that Sevilla would not block a sizeable bid for their star forward and would consider a £17m offer.

Negredo is refusing to be affected by all the speculation surrounding his long-term future but is aware of the interest from Liverpool.

Negredo said: "I read something, but my representative has said there is nothing happening at the moment. I am comfortable with the situation and will just focus on playing for Sevilla."

Glen Johnson Decides Against Liverpool Move After Hodgson Exit

The right-back is rumoured to have fallen out with the former Reds boss earlier in the season and had been linked with a January move to Spain but will take his chance under Kenny Dalglish.

The Anfield legend was installed as the new Liverpool manager until the end of the season at the weekend.

In his first game in charge on Sunday, Liverpool lost to Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup, thanks to a controversial first minute penalty by Ryan Giggs.

Johnson also made the headlines during the weekend after launching an astonishing Twitter attack against former Arsenal player Paul Merson.

After Merson criticized his attitude during this season on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, the Liverpool defender took to Twitter to respond to the criticism.

‘Comments from alcoholic drug abusers are not really gonna upset me and who is Paul Merson to judge players, he was average at the best of times,’ Johnson posted.

’The only reason he's on that show is coz he gambled all his money away. The clown!’

The post though was later deleted by the Liverpool defender.

Ryan Babel Officially Charged By FA

Following Liverpool’s loss to arch rivals Manchester United, Ryan Babel proceeded join the bandwagon and plunge into the debate via Twitter. Babel is fairly famous for using Twitter as I am sure most Liverpool FC fans are aware, but was he out of order?

Of course, Babel isn’t the only player who uses Twitter, many of the QPR players are blasting El Hadj Diouf over the popular site for his unkind words towards Jamie Mackie who suffered a double fracture to his leg for things that he said. Perhaps Diouf will face similar consequences but they have to be in the same category of offense don’t they? Although Diouf’s may be seen as slightly more sickening.

The young Dutchman Ryan Babel blasted the English games best referee Howard Webb saying “And they call him one of the best referees? That’s a joke. SMH.” Babel isn’t the only football related person to be commenting on Howard Webb’s performance, Kenny Dalglish’s son Paul also said “Howard Webb MBE. Manc of the Busby Era. I am not normally bitter, as you know, but it is different rules against them”.

Damien Comolli Says 'Cycle Of Negativity' Led To Roy Hodgson Departure

Liverpool's director of football strategy Damien Comolli has explained that the club dismissed Roy Hodgson from his position as manager due to a "cycle of negativity" sweeping through the team.

Hodgson was sacked on Saturday morning after just six months in charge at Anfield, a spell which had seen Liverpool win only 7 of 20 Premier League matches and has left the five-time European Champions languishing in 12th place and just four points from the relegation spots.

Asked what went wrong under Hodgson, Comolli explained at a press conference to unveil the returning Kenny Dalglish: "There was a cycle of negativity and it was difficult to get it back. Of course it is a shame it didn’t work out, it is difficult to explain."

Supporters were particularly vocal in their condemnation of Hodgson and his methods during his time at Anfield, but the club's commercial director, Ian Ayre, said that the decision to sack Hodgson wasn't based on the fans' distain for the former Fulham boss.

"Our decision was not based on the fans’ reaction," he said.

"Things weren’t gelling – the level and number of defeats were what drove the decision.”

Ayre was also keen to point out that the settlement package agreed with the deposed Hodgson – reported to be in the region of £7.5 million – will not impact upon the money available to new boss Dalglish to improve the squad during the January transfer window.

"We reached a mutual decision with Roy," Ayre explained. "His departure won’t affect the club’s transfer budget."

"I don’t know if we will bring players in," Comolli said. "We have been working but January is a difficult market."

And when pressed on the club's future and on the qualities that it was looking for in a long-term managerial appointment, Comolli said: "Competence, to be able to fit in to the club philosophy and playing philosophy."

That may mean that Dalglish, tied to the managerial role until the end of the season, could be considered on a permanent basis.

Match Report: Manchester United 1 - 0 Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish failed to get the dream start he was looking for as Manchester United ensured his second stint as the new Liverpool boss began with a 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford.

Dalglish arrived from Dubai on Saturday night after accepting the challenge of reviving the Merseysiders' fortunes, which have plummeted dramatically in recent times, culminating in Roy Hodgson's dismissal on Saturday.

And he certainly brought more conviction to his players and Liverpool's supporters.

It will take rather more to create a winning team though, and while Dalglish can take heart from the way his side battled back following Ryan Giggs' controversial second-minute penalty and the dismissal of captain Steven Gerrard for a nasty first-half challenge on Michael Carrick, the Scot knows there is so much work to do.

Still, his name brings hope, even if time has moved on since February 22, 1991, when Dalglish resigned in the wake of an epic 4-4 draw with Everton.

Indeed, just eight days after Dalglish's dramatic decision to quit the club he will forever be linked with, came another significant day in English football - Giggs' United debut.

That Giggs boasts a record 11 Premier League winners' medals, 855 appearances and 157 goals for the Old Trafford outfit just emphasises the time that has elapsed since Dalglish bestrode an Anfield outfit that were still worthy of their status as a football giant.

There was a symmetry therefore about Giggs confidently striding up to dispatch a second-minute penalty that punctured so much of the optimism within the Dalglish bubble.

Not that the Scot would have been entirely convinced by Howard Webb's penalty award. Few who saw the replay were, although Daniel Agger's unwise decision to stick out a leg did offer Dimitar Berbatov something to fall over.

Unfortunately for Dalglish, it was not the last time he had reason to curse Webb, who steered the game towards its eventual outcome with two crucial decisions around the half hour.

The first was a non-decision when Rafael thudded into Raul Meireles with a tackle that won the ball, but was also two-footed.

Had Webb taken action for that, Gerrard might have thought twice about his own ill-fated lunge.

But the World Cup final referee kept his cards in his pocket and waved play on.

The same did not apply when Gerrard launched himself into England team-mate Carrick, going over the top of the United man, which Webb deemed reckless enough to merit instant dismissal.

Having taken all this into account, and the remainder of an otherwise positive opening 45 minutes for his team, Dalglish loitered for just long enough after the half-time whistle to suggest he might take issue with Webb. In the end, he opted not to bother.

The Scot's interval team talk could at least have reflected on decent opportunities for Fernando Torres, denied the chance to exert his superiority over Nemanja Vidic by the United skipper's absence, Gerrard and Maxi Rodriguez.

He must also have known that United would dominate possession in the way his own side had done before Gerrard's departure.

And if Javier Hernandez had been able to glance Darren Fletcher's right-wing cross into the bottom corner a couple of minutes after the restart, Liverpool would have had nothing worth fighting for anyway.

As it turned out, the Mexican was off target. And though Liverpool did spend long periods chasing possession, roused by their supporters, who were gaining their own voice through Dalglish, they refused to give up.

Ryan Babel brought a low save out of Tomasz Kuszczak before Fabio Aurelio sent a free-kick curling towards the top corner, forcing the Pole to claw the ball away.

It took United some time to re-establish dominance, although when they did, two blocked shots, for Berbatov and Rafael, rejected penalty appeals for Jonny Evans and Giggs, both far more plausible than the one Webb gave, plus an excellent save from Reina to deny Patrice Evra, were scant reward for a thrilling melee.

The sight of Michael Owen being introduced for United 16 minutes from time just added another surreal dimension to an amazing day.

There was no goal for Owen against his old club, as Anderson and Evra went closest to increasing United's advantage before the final whistle.

Dalglish Fumes At 'Joke' Penalty Decision

Kenny Dalglish has blasted the penalty decision that cost him a winning start to life as Liverpool's caretaker manager.

Ryan Giggs' first-minute spot-kick, awarded after Daniel Agger's challenge forced Dimitar Berbatov to go to ground, handed Manchester United a 1-0 win in the FA Cup third-round tie at Old Trafford.

The controversy didn't stop there, however, with Steven Gerrard shown a straight red card in the first half after jumping into a tackle on Michael Carrick.

Dalglish, returning to the dugout for the first time since a spell at Celtic in 2000, disagreed with both decisions.

"The penalty is a joke," he said. "I have seen the replay and unless they have changed the rules it is no penalty.

Ferguson Backs Dimitar Berbatov Penalty Claim

Sir Alex Ferguson claims Dimitar Berbatov did nothing wrong in winning Manchester United’s match-winning penalty against Liverpool today, but defender Rio Ferdinand is not convinced ref Howard Webb was right.

Returning Reds boss Kenny Dalglish disputed whether Daniel Agger’s challenge on the Bulgarian striker was a foul but his United counterpart had no doubt Berbatov was brought down after just 30 seconds at Old Trafford. ‘It was a penalty,’ Ferguson insisted.

‘Dimitar says he was definitely clipped. The replay shows he slightly touched him but the momentum is enough to bring the player down. ‘There is no reason for him to go down anyway. He is not that kind of player.’

However, Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand is not so sure the penalty should have been awarded.

He tweeted: 'I've just watched the penalty incident again...I'm 50/50 whether it was or wasn't., ref gave it we scored it. It's a game of swings and roundabouts.'

Babel Facing FA Probe

Ryan Babel could be in trouble over his Twitter rant, with the FA set to launch disciplinary action.

The Liverpool winger cut a frustrated figure following the Reds' 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

With the tie having been settled by a controversial penalty, won by Dimitar Berbatov following a first-minute challenge from Daniel Agger, the match officials at Old Trafford have come in for criticism.

Referee Howard Webb also dismissed Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard for a lunging challenge on Michael Carrick, further infuriating the red half of Merseyside.

After the game Babel aired his displeasure on Twitter, writing: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke."

The Dutchman also posted a mocked-up photo of Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt.

His actions have not gone down well with the authorities, with the FA confirming that they are to look into the issue and will rule on whether punishment is necessary.

"We will definitely look into this matter," said an FA spokesman.

Babel has since apologized for his outburst, saying: "My apology if they take my posted pic seriously. This is just an emotional reaction after losing an important game.

"Sorry Howard Webb."

Torres To See Out Reds Deal

Spain international Fernando Torres has rejected speculation he could quit Liverpool and has called for supporters to get behind the squad.

The Reds' star striker has been linked with a move away from Anfield following a poor season which has seen Roy Hodgson replaced by fans' favourite Kenny Dalglish.

The former Atletico Madrid man has been linked with an improbable switch to arch-rivals Manchester United, something he has quickly poured cold water over.

The 26-year-old marksman is contracted to the Merseysiders until the summer of 2013, with the option of a further year, and he insists he will see out his deal.

Torres admits the Reds have endured a below-par campaign and has called on everyone who supports the club to give their backing in a bid to turn around their season.

"More than ever, we need to stick together," he told The People. "We must live in the present, from match to match.

"We need to add more points, win matches and improve our standing in the table.

"That is our challenge and I demand the total help of our supporters in doing that.

"My head is in Liverpool and on helping save our season. I am professional and I always fulfil my deals.

"I haven't considered leaving, although in football that depends on the club.

"Liverpool had a lot of success under Rafa Benitez and that is difficult for anyone to follow.

"Even if the ball hasn't always dropped our way this season, we have missed out in a lot of matches."

Liverpool Prepare For Mass Clearout As Six Players Head For Anfield Exit

Liverpool are planning to offload a number of their squad as they look to freshen their squad with new additions this month. Caretaker boss Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli have identified a number of players they believe can be sold to help trim costs at the club ahead of potential additions. The likes of Ryan Babel, Glen Johnson, Emiliano Insua, Milan Jovanovic, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen will all be made available either for permanent exits or loan deals.

There is as apparent interest in Dutch winger Babel who has failed to impress this season and the likes of West Ham and Ajax have reportedly taken an interest in the 24 year old. Glen Johnson will also be offloaded if any interested party is willing to make an offer within the same ball park as the £18m that was invested in his services, which may be a big ask, and Juventus are reportedly trailing the England international.

Emiliano Insua’s move to Fiorentina fell through in the summer and is also apparently a West Ham target and he may be a player that Liverpool chooses to farm out on a loan deal rather than sold off as the young Argentine has shown he has the potential to be a quality full back.

However it may prove difficult to find potential suitors for Milan Jovanovic, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen, all of whom have not proven themselves to be worth first team consideration.

Serbian attacker Jovanovic is though apparently the subject of Bundesliga interest and Fulham may elect to bring Konchesky back to the club as Mark Hughes looks to strengthen his side as they look to push away from the relegation zone.

One player seemingly safe from the axe is Joe Cole who will hope to prove that his move to the club was not a failure. Liverpool’s owners are keen to freshen things up at Anfield and whilst they can see that the club needs improvement and that their squad is decidedly average it is however not a small squad and they feel that a clear-out is needed before any significant player purchases can be sanctioned.

With Hodgson Gone, Torres Has No Place To Hide

We know that Kenny Dalglish remembers those days – fast receding in the memory already – when Fernando Torres struck terror into defenders' hearts. We know because they were the days he chose to talk about in his last newspaper column before the call from Liverpool came and he swapped a cruise in the Persian Gulf, near Iran, for another nuclear location.

It was the sunny spring afternoon in March 2009 when Torres destroyed Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic which Dalglish chose specifically to discuss in that column. It is a measure of the depths to which Torres and Liverpool have sunk since that high-tide mark of the Rafael Benitez era – a 4-1 win at Old Trafford – that Jonny Evans – a defender utterly short of form – was fielded in Vidic's place yesterday and managed to emerge from this game with new-found confidence.

Dalglish plainly had some talking to do before Old Trafford beckoned yesterday morning – the Liverpool team coach arrived 40 minutes after United's – and the question on every mind surrounded the effect a 59-year-old member of Anfield lore would have on Torres when he sat the players down for the first time, at 10.30am.

On this evidence, any effect was not immediate but it was a sign of the greater confidence Dalglish will bring to the Anfield dugout that he removed Torres from the Old Trafford field 13 minutes from time yesterday. Roy Hodgson, always so aware of the diplomatic minefield associated with shifting the Liverpool hero, would probably have let him soldier on. But no one should conclude that this was Dalglish's way of sending a message. Torres's shoulders and head were down, as they had been throughout the six-month Hodgson tenure, and it was a statement of his obvious inefficacy, not of the manager's intent to be firm, when the dot matrix board flashed "9". There were no groans from the visiting ranks.

Dalglish insisted last night that Torres could have done no more. "He ran himself into the ground out there. It's a great sign that he's determined to get back and silence a few critics he has got," the manager said.

But that did not tally with the evidence. The flicker of intent in Torres immediately after Steven Gerrard's dismissal – he threw himself into one of the few challenges he actually won – suggested that it might be the catalyst. But it would always be an uphill challenge after Gerrard – one of the few players in the side on the same plane of football intelligence – departed and the climb was not one for him.

Torres was always a source of bafflement to Hodgson, who considered the causes of his anaemic season to be both physical and psychological. Dalglish hinted at the latter. "It doesn't matter how good you are, you need confidence and we've got to get that confidence back in," he said. But King Kenny's appointment removes, as well as adds, something where Torres is concerned: an excuse to hide behind. The Liverpool faithful which have played such a unique and fascinating part in the weekend's managerial succession have perhaps been more tolerant of Torres while Hodgson has been there to take the blame. But there is a new supreme sovereign at Anfield now. The expectation is that all players throw themselves to Dalglish's cause and the response if Torres fails will be absorbing.

One of the few players who seemed energized by Dalglish's arrival yesterday happened to be one of the least loved by supporters – Ryan Babel – which shows that anything might happen next at Anfield. But if the Dalglish alchemy does not take effect with Torres, Liverpool's almost entirely extinguished hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League are gone, and with them the caretaker's hopes of keeping this job beyond the summer. No guessing what the new manager's top priority will be.

Liverpool Players Accused Of Racism In FA Youth Cup

Kenny Dalglish's jobs as Liverpool's new short-term manager this week will include investigating a racism row involving the club's academy players. It follows an allegation that Crystal Palace's players were subjected to racial abuse during their FA Youth Cup fourth‑round tie at Anfield on Saturday. One player said he was "disgusted" by what he had heard.

The Football Association intends to contact Palace today for a full account of what happened and to ascertain whether they intend to make an official complaint. Palace was not returning calls yesterday.

The FA may also ask to speak to Dan Pringle, one of the players involved in a 3-1 defeat for Palace. Pringle expressed his dismay on his Twitter account after the match, saying: "Disappointed with result but really disgusted with the racism from Liverpool throughout the game. Disgraceful."

When he was contacted by several Palace supporters he later clarified that he was talking about Liverpool's players rather than the crowd.

Liverpool reacted with surprise, not least as they had several black players in their team. A club spokesman said: "We didn't receive any complaints either during or after the game and nothing was mentioned by the referee."

Liverpool's academy side is managed by Rodolfo Borrell, who was appointed in July 2009 after a successful 13-year spell at Barcelona, where he managed every age group from under‑11 to under‑17.

FA Cup Preview: Manchester United vs Liverpool

The FA Cup may not be anywhere near the top of Manchester United’s priority list this season, but the fact that they been paired with bitter rivals Liverpool in the third round - added to last season’s early exit from the competition - means this is a match they will be taking very seriously indeed.

Sir Alex Ferguson will surely also be licking his lips at the chance to dump yet more misery on his arch-rivals, particularly in a season where his team are currently on target to surpass Liverpool’s record of 18 league titles.

However, the Scot will be all too aware of the honeymoon effect that Kenny Dalglish's appointment could bring about for the visitors, and he will hope to make it a very short cup run for the man who was the reigning league and cup winning manager when Ferguson first came to English football.

They say that form goes out of the window in the FA Cup, and in derby games too for that matter, and Liverpool will travel to Old Trafford praying that really is the case. The Reds are under fire after a dismal season, and recent defeats to Blackburn Rovers, Wolves and Newcastle United proved to be too much for Roy Hodgson and the Liverpool board.

Yet the Merseysiders should need little motivation for this game, both in terms of the opposition and in the return of 'King Kenny' in the dugout, and a quick glance at the history books will also give them hope. The last time the two sides met in the competition, in 2006, the Reds beat United in the fifth round courtesy of Peter Crouch’s first half goal.

History also dictates that in every FA Cup tie between these two sides since 1985, the winners of the tie have gone on to lift the trophy. Motivation, indeed, if any were needed.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that he will select a strong side for the visit of struggling Liverpool after claiming to have erred last season in “picking the wrong team” after the Red Devils were knocked out in the third round by Leeds United.

Two men who definitely miss out are John O’Shea and Paul Scholes, while Wayne Rooney and Edwin van der Sar remain doubts. Javier Hernandez, meanwhile, may have forced his way into the starting XI with two goals in his last two games.

Possible starting XI: Kuszczak; Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson; Berbatov, Hernandez.

Liverpool

After a string of bad news for Roy Hodgson on the injury front in recent weeks, Kenny Dalglish walks straight into a somewhat better situation as, aside from Jamie Carragher, he has virtually a full squad to pick from.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos is expected to miss out in favour of Daniel Agger in defence whilst Dirk Kuyt and Raul Meireles should also return, which means Dalglish has something of a selection headache in midfield.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Konchesky; Kuyt, Meireles, Lucas, Gerrard, Cole; Torres.

Roy Hodgson Exits Liverpool & Kenny Dalglish Takes Over

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has left the club by mutual consent.

Hodgson, 63, won only seven of 20 Premier League games after taking over from Rafael Benitez in July 2010 and led the club to 12th in the table.

Former player and manager Kenny Dalglish has been placed in charge until the end of the season.

"Both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down," said American owner John W Henry in a statement on the club's website.

Hodgson refused to answer questions about his Anfield future following Liverpool's 3-1 defeat by Blackburn on Wednesday, the club's third loss in four Premier League games, which left them just four points clear of the relegation zone.

And when his press conference ahead of Liverpool's FA Cup third-round match against Manchester United on Sunday was cancelled on Friday, it fuelled further speculation that the former Fulham manager's tenure was drawing to a close.

"I have found the last few months some of the most challenging of my career," read a statement from Hodgson on the club's website.

"I am very sad not to have been able to put my stamp on the squad, to be given the time to bring new players into the club in this transfer window and to have been able to be part of the rebuilding process at Liverpool."

Club ambassador Dalglish will oversee team matters for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Old Trafford.

The 59-year-old won eight league titles with Liverpool as a player and manager, taking charge of the club for a six-year spell between 1985 and 1991.

He also helped the Anfield side to three European Cup triumphs before hanging up his boots.

"Kenny was not just a legendary footballer, he was the third of our three most successful managers - three giants," said Henry, who bought Liverpool in October.

"We are extraordinarily fortunate and grateful that he has decided to step in during the middle of this season."

Hodgson has extensive domestic, European and international managerial experience, which includes spells with Blackburn Rovers and Switzerland, who he guided to the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup.

He also had a period in charge of Italian giants Inter Milan.

He joined Fulham in December 2007 and steered the club away from the relegation zone, escaping the drop on the final day of that season.

He transformed the Cottagers and guided them to their highest ever top-flight finish in 2008-09, reaching the Europa League final the following year.

His results in west London were enough to persuade Liverpool, searching for a successor to Spaniard Benitez, to offer Hodgson a three-year contract in July.

Despite losing influential Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano to Barcelona for £17.25m in August, Hodgson spent over £20m bringing in Christian Poulsen, Raul Meireles, Danny Wilson and Brad Jones, as well as signing Joe Cole and Paul Konchesky.

But Hodgson endured a tough start in his new job, as his side was knocked out of the Carling Cup by League Two Northampton at Anfield on 22 September, while a 2-1 home defeat to Blackpool on 3 October meant they dropped into the bottom three of the top flight for the first time since September 1964.

And following Liverpool's third league defeat in four matches, at Ewood Park on Wednesday, Hodgson's position at Anfield became untenable.

Former Liverpool defender now BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson said he was "surprised" the team has not gelled under Hodgson.

"He was renowned for improving players at Fulham, coaching them and making them better but at Liverpool the opposite has happened," he said.

"Liverpool has gone backwards and the players he has brought in just haven't worked. I think unfortunately Roy was the wrong man at the wrong time for Liverpool and it has been a case of thanks but no thanks."

Liverpool Plot £28m Trio Raid As Comolli And Dalglish Draw Up Wish-List

Newly installed caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish and Director of Football Damien Comolli have reportedly been busy drawing up plans for the January transfer window and are keen on making moves for Benfica full back Fabio Coentrao, Stoke City centre back Ryan Shawcross and Utrecht striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel.

Portuguese international Coentrao is attacting a lot of interest and is thought to be a player that Comolli rates very highly and given Benfica’s poor showing this season, eight points behind leaders Porto, Liverpool may feel they can persuade the 22 year old wing back to push for a move.

Dutch international Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is a player that has interested the Merseyside club for a few months now and some sources suggest that an offer of around £8.5m was made for the Utrecht man and Liverpool appear willing to up that original offer in order to beat off interest from Napoli in the prolific Eredivisie striker.

Liverpool had been strongly linked with Stoke City defender Robert Huth but apparently his team-mate, and former Man United player, Ryan Shawcross is also a player the Anfield side is keen on bringing in to help stabilize an error prone defence.

Dalglish and Comolli will be looking to find ways to bring in realistic targets in January so as to help the club salvage something from a season that has been truly woeful but they will also be looking to bring in players who are there for the long term and will therefore only be looking to buy players in the relatively early stages of their careers and these three fit that bill and would not require the club’s owners to fork out excessive amounts of money in the process.