Liverpool plan raid on Moyes

The following story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club:

In the wake of Rafa Benitez's departure from Liverpool last week, the boss of bitter Mersey rivals Everton has emerged as a surprise target as replacement.

David Moyes is the shock name on Liverpool's shortlist to replace the sacked Rafa Benitez.

Anfield managing director Christian Purslow who, together with Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, has been entrusted with the responsibility of finding a new Kop boss, is a big admirer of Moyes' work in his eight years with neighbours Everton.

It is believed that Moyes is aware of Liverpool's interest as the red half of Merseyside attempt to pull off a coup which would stun football.

Moyes, though, is deeply loyal to Everton and has a good working relationship with chairman Bill Kenwright. Only a few weeks ago he told Sunday Express Sport that any new investors would be better choosing Everton than pumping money into Anfield.

Despite that, Moyes is still in Liverpool's thoughts as they attempt to resurrect their fortunes after a disastrous last season in Benitez's six-year reign.

The Spaniard was dismissed on Thursday but is expected to be named as Inter Milan's successor to Jose Mourinho this week. Hesitation saw Benitez miss out on the Juventus job but it is believed that he is now ready to say yes to Inter.

It is understood that owner Massimo Moratti has been influenced by lobbying from some of the team's Argentinian contingent, which includes Javier Zanetti, Walter Samuel and Diego Milito.

Fellow Argentinian Mauricio Pellegrino, Benitez's number two at Anfield, who will join him at the San Siro and is admired by the players, has been pushing his boss's case.

With Liverpool having to pay up to £6million to part company with Benitez, American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are reluctant to pay a big compensation package to land his successor. The exception would be Moyes.

If they are unsuccessful in their audacious attempt to move the Scot across Stanley Park, Liverpool will move on to other targets, who include Fulham's Roy Hodgson, Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill and Marcello Lippi, the Italy manager. Lippi leaves his job after the World Cup and any approach wouldn't be restricted by compensation issues.

Many Anfield observers believe that Liverpool have the answer to their managerial problems within their own ranks in kingmaker Dalglish. He would bring back the old boot-room habits which served the club so well in their halcyon days of the sixties, seventies and eighties.

Close friends believe Dalglish, who resigned as Liverpool boss through stress 19 years ago, has unfinished business at Anfield and would love the challenge of replacing Benitez.

He has agreed to take charge until Liverpool find a new man but wouldn't say no to a tap on his own shoulder over a permanent stay.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.