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Kenny Dalglish

LIVERPOOL FC will press ahead with their plans to speak with Roy Hodgson over the vacant manager’s role – despite Kenny Dalglish declaring his interest in the position.

The Anfield hierarchy have targeted Fulham manager Hodgson as their preferred choice to succeed Rafa Benitez, who departed last Thursday after almost six years in charge.

Liverpool still intend to approach the Craven Cottage outfit later this week with a view to being given permission to talk with Hodgson, and are prepared to offer the 62-year-old a rolling 12-month contract.

Although aware of Dalglish’s stance, the club were nevertheless surprised with his decision to go public with his desire to once again take on the role of manager that he

held between 1985 and 1991.

The Anfield legend has been employed in an ambassadorial capacity at the club for the past year and was thought to be advising managing Christian Purslow in determining Benitez’s successor.

But now Dalglish wants to be taken into consideration for the position and as such will no longer play any part in the selection process.

Hodgson, though, remains the first choice with the club seeking a steady pair of hands to stabilise matters following the tumultuous conclusion to Benitez’s reign.

Benitez will be confirmed as Inter Milan manager in the coming days after agreeing a three-year deal with the Serie A side.

The Spaniard is expected to take a number of his backroom staff from Anfield with him to the San Siro, and reports in Italy suggest he will also attempt to sign some of his former players.

Chief among them is Glen Johnson, with it being claimed the right-back is among Benitez’s list of wanted players as he aims to replicate Jose Mourinho’s feat of winning the treble of Italian league, cup and Champions League.

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres has hailed a “perfect” comeback after making his return to action after almost two months on the sidelines.

Torres made his first appearance since undergoing surgery in April as a goalscoring second-half substitute in Spain’s 6-0 friendly demolition of Poland on Tuesday night

And now the 25-year-old is hopeful of being involved when Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland in Durban next Wednesday.

“I am very happy because now it is nearly two months after the surgery and I haven’t noticed any problems,” said Torres.

“It was a very important day to me because to play in the World Cup is most important.

“The minutes I played were useful to gain rhythm and to confirm that my knee is good.

“It was perfect, and to get a goal as well, I’m very happy.”

European Championship winners Spain are among the favourites to lift the World Cup in South Africa, but Torres has warned an arduous adventure awaits.

“We have recuperated and our timing is there on the field,” said the Liverpool forward. “But the World Cup is very long and it will not be easy.”

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