Carlo Ancelotti rumours denied by Liverpool

Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with the Liverpool job.

Liverpool have vehemently dismissed claims they have approached Carlo Ancelotti about the possibility of succeeding manager Brendan Rodgers.

A report claimed the veteran Italian, a Champions League winner with AC Milan and Real Madrid, had been sounded out by owners Fenway Sports Group about taking over at Anfield.

However, that was immediately rubbished by the club with sources suggesting such a move would be completely out of character with the way the Americans have run things to date.

Rodgers survived a robust end of season review after a dismal finale to a campaign which reached its nadir with the 6-1 humbling at Stoke on the final day.

Having retained the backing of FSG - despite losing his assistant manager and close friend Colin Pascoe and coach Mike Marsh in an enforced backroom shake-up - he was then given the best part of £80million to spend on new signings, splashing £32.5million on his primary target Christian Benteke and a potential £29million on Roberto Firmino.

Neither have found their feet so far and Rodgers is still searching for his best XI and formation having switched from 4-3-3 to 3-4-1-2 in Sunday's home draw with Norwich.

But despite a stuttering start to this season - they have not won in five matches - leaving them 13th in the Premier League but only four points off fourth place, which remains the minimum target for Rodgers.

Liverpool host League Two side Carlisle in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday looking to end their win-less run.