Liverpool Transfer News: Examining Recent Rumours After Brendan Rodgers' Sacking

Liverpool's lacklustre start to the 2015-16 season came to a head on Sunday after the club confirmed Brendan Rodgers' sacking in the wake of a 1-1 draw at Everton in the Merseyside derby.

The news was confirmed on the club's official website and means that the process begins anew to find a successor to the Reds throne, with the club wishing to do so "in a decisive and timely manner."

And the club may already have their man, according to Bosnian outlet Pravadbl (via Metro's George Bellshaw), with ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp having reportedly agreed to a three-year deal.

That report emerged before Sunday's Merseyside derby had even kicked off, but the BBC's Ben Smith can see sense in why the two parties would fit together:

The German rose to managerial fame at Signal Iduna Park after leading Dortmund to successive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, not to mention a runners-up finish in the 2012-13 Champions League.

Milanese journalist Tancredi Palmeri has also reported Liverpool are "in talks" with Klopp, but German expert Raphael Honigstein told a BT Sport panel such speculation is false, claiming the Reds have not made any move:

Klopp is considered a favourite ahead of ex-Real Madrid, Chelsea and Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti due to the Italian taking a one-year sabbatical from management following May's departure from the Bernabeu.

It was, of course, Ancelotti who led Los Blancos to their fabled La Decima—the 10th European title in the club's history—two seasons ago, but Sky Sport Italia insist he will not be cutting his respite short (h/t Football Italia).

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

With Champions League no certainty at Anfield, the Merseysiders may find it difficult to lure the very elite of the management world, but Klopp's desire to take on such a challenge may win the 48-year-old's allegiance.

Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has had his say on the matter and prefers Klopp over Ancelotti, due to the fact he has more to prove in coming to Anfield, per Sky Sports (via the Mirror's James Whaling):

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I think either Klopp or Ancelotti coming to Liverpool, supporters would be ecstatic. Carlo Ancelotti, Champions League winner three times. 

They know what Klopp did at Borussia Dortmund over the last few years. If it was me, I would go for Klopp ahead of Ancelotti.

I think he’s got more to prove. I think Liverpool is not an easy job now. I think Ancelotti is a great manager but he’s gone to clubs where they’re expected to win trophies. 

It’s a difficult job now at Liverpool getting back into the top four, forget talking about the title. I think it needs someone with that energy and drive to get that job back to where it wants to be and I think Jurgen Klopp’s that man.

"

Hamish Mackay of the Mirror has compiled a list of potential Rodgers replacements, which features Ajax manager Frank de Boer and Southampton helmsman Ronald Koeman alongside Ancelotti and Klopp.

However, ex-Inter manager Walter Mazzarri is also mentioned as the only other option without a club, and his agent Andrea D'Amico recently piqued interest after telling FCInterNews his client is learning English (via Football Italia):

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He’s carrying out a program of continuous upgrading, and he’s learning the English language well. Will he go to the Premier League? It’s hard to say, Mazzarri is a Coach of the highest level, he’s proved that everywhere he’s worked.

I don’t think the geographical location of his new club is important, it’s the project. Walter deserves to work at a high level. For his new challenge two things will count above all: the project and the contract. He could return to work immediately, or at the end of the season, it depends on the project.

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Of course, learning English doesn't mean Mazzarri's future definitely lies in the Premier League, but it would certainly equip him to better deal with the rigours of life at the Anfield helm.

The imminent international break will give Liverpool a chance to step back and assess their options before making a push for Rodgers' successor, but an easy selection is yet to emerge.