Liverpool chiefs have a crowded shortlist of candidates to succeed Rafa Benitez. Reds managing director Christian Purslow and Kenny Dalglish, at the club as an ambassador and working with the Academy, will consider SIX key criteria.

Anfield insiders revealed the chosen one must be established, experienced, stable, understand European football, have a high level of gravitas and proven ability to work under stressful conditions, says The Sun.

They also insist there will be no interim or caretaker appointment until a permanent boss is found.

And that has seen Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, 62, emerge as a strong contender after working miracles on a limited budget at Fulham.

Hodgson has huge Euro experience with Malmo - where he won five titles on the bounce - Inter Milan, and as the Swiss national coach.

Yet Hodgson is far from the only candidate.

Zenit St Petersburg's highly-rated Luciano Spalletti, Galatasaray boss Frank Rijkaard, Slaven Bilic, Mark Hughes, Bayern chief Louis Van Gaal and Benfica's Jorge Jesus are all in the frame.

Martin O'Neill also has his admirers even though Aston Villa insist the Irishman will be staying in the Midlands.