Manchester United legend Mark Hughes is a shock candidate for the vacant manager's job at Liverpool.

The Daily Star says Martin O'Neill, Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish are all being considered by the Reds board - but Hughes is seen as a serious candidate within Anfield.

The fact Hughes is available as a free agent is a huge attraction, because targets like Aston Villa's O'Neill, Fulham chief Hodgson and Benfica coach Jorge Jesus would all come at a big price.

Liverpool have invested heavily in their youth development, and the club will tell any candidate that he must encourage this at Anfield.