Highly rated manager linked

German is hottest nanager prospect. Bid made for Dutch winger? Swedish international linked.

These days the vast majority of Liverpool supporters will be waiting in suspense; who will eventually take over as manager after Roy Hodgson? When will there be a press coference? 

Speculations are mounting, with loads of names being mentioned. But right now there is one hot candidate on the radar...

Ralf Ragnick is linked with the Anfield manager job.

Up until now former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard  has looked the most likely successor to Hodgson. And reports has said the Dutchman is thought to be receptive to the idea of taking the helm at Anfield.

But now it seems the hottest prospect for the position is German coach Ralf Rangnick, with several reports linking him to the job.

Didier Deschamps unlikely to be tempted?

According to The Daily Post Marseille boss Didier Deschamps, who turned down an approach from Liverpool in the summer, is believed to be their first choice. But the former France international is unlikely to be tempted to Anfield mid season with L’OM still in contention for the French League title and the Champions League.

However, the highly-rated Rangnick is available having quit German side Hoffenheim on Saturday in protest at Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo being sold to Bayern Munich against his wishes.

According to the German media, the 52-year-old former Schalke coach has caught the eye of Liverpool after leading Hoffenheim to back-to-back promotions to reach the Bundesliga for the first time in the club’s history.

His attack-minded brand of football is likely to appeal to Liverpool fans, but a lack of top-flight silverware and a poor record in Europe are likely to count against him.

Other targets mentioned are Andre Villa-Boas, the Porto manager, and Borussia boss Jurgen Klopp. But they are unlikely to be available until the summer, the paper claims.

More interesting reading: Ralf Rangnick – Next Liverpool Manager? (Tomkins Times)

Eljero Elia.

The most promising rumour when it comes to player signings right now is Dutch winger Eljero Elia from Bundesliga side Hamburg.

According to The Daily Mail Hamburg daily newspaper Morgenpost has suggested today that Liverpool have made a bid in the region of £13million for a player who has previously been compared with current Anfield man Ryan Babel.

According to German press he already has agreed personal terms with Liverpool. Elia has made 10 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring twice. He was a member of Holland's World Cup squad, coming on as a 71st-minute substitute in the final for Dirk Kuyt.

The 23-year-old wide man has fallen out of favour with his current employers after failing to hit the heights of his debut campaign in Germany following a 2009 move from Steve McClaren's FC Twente.

His slump in form has led to reports he would make the switch to Wolfsburg, currently managed by McClaren, in a bid rekindle the form that earned him rave reviews in Holland.

Sebastian Larsson.

A fresh name on the Liverpool stransfer radar is former Arsenal player Sebastian Larsson.

The Sweden international has shone for Birmingham this season, but they have so far failed to agree on a new deal and his current contract is due to expire in the summer.

The former Arsenal man is now free to talk to foreign clubs and could move on a Bosman free transfer in the summer. Atletico have now joined the battle for his signature with Valencia already showing an interest.

However, skysports.com understands a host of Premier League clubs are set to join the chase, including Liverpool, are all thought to be keen on taking him on a free transfer at the end of the season.