The Sports Matrix: Thursday 31 May 2012

Rodgers poised to leave Swansea and take Liverpool job

Brendan Rodgers was last night set to become the new Liverpool manager, after being offered a three-year deal to replace Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool owner John Henry along with chairman Tom Werner met Rodgers yesterday to complete their two-week long search to replace Dalglish.

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins confirmed that Rodgers wanted the chance to take over at Anfield and that the two clubs were in talks regarding a deal.

"Brendan has informed us that he would like to take up their offer to manage Liverpool," Jenkins said. "At the moment we are currently in talks with the owners to agree compensation. We are trying to finalise that within the next 24 hours."

"Although we are very disappointed to lose such a talented, young British manager, we didn't wish to stand in his way."

Liverpool had spoken to Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, and Wigan owner Dave Whelan had even said Martinez had been offered the job. But Rodgers, who took Swansea into the Premier League playing attractive football, looks to have got the job. MORE

Bartoli frustrates home support

Marion Bartoli disappointed the home crowd as she lost at the second-round stage. The eighth seed served 14 double-faults, going down 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 defeat to Croatia's Petra Martic. Venus Williams, a finalist in 2002, also went out at Roland Garros yesterday. MORE

Jackson refutes Greene rift claims

Bershawn Jackson has dismissed reports of a rift between himself and 400m hurdles rival Dai Greene. "The media are making more than what it is," he said ahead of their meeting tonight in Rome. "There's no grudge at all. He's a great competitor." MORE

Henderson on call for hurt Lampard

England's medical staff must convince Uefa that a thigh strain suffered by Frank Lampard was not pre-existent as they seek clearance to call up Jordan Henderson as a replacement for Euro 2012. Lampard suffered the injury in training this week. MORE

Torres scores in Spanish victory

Fernando Torres recorded his first international goal in nearly a year as Spain beat South Korea 4-1 in a friendly. Xabi Alonso, Santi Cazorla and Alvaro Negredo got the others. Rafael van der Vaart scored as the Netherlands beat Slovakia 2-0.

Windies woe after Roach withdrawal

Kemar Roach has pulled out of the remainder of the West Indies' tour to England after suffering from sore shins and a sprained ankle. The 23-year-old fast bowler has impressed on tour so far but will now be replaced by either Fidel Edwards or Tino Best. MORE

Catt warns players of 'hostile' welcome

England's backs coach, Mike Catt, has warned the players to expect a rough ride when they tour South Africa. "The welcome will be brilliant off the field and extremely hostile on it," the South African-born 40-year-old said. "The rugby will be very, very fierce." MORE

England ticket sales remain low

England face playing their European Championship group games in front of minor support next month, with the Football Association having sold only 3,000 tickets for each of the three matches. The FA hopes as many as 10,000 fans travel independently. MORE

Foley 'betrayed' by squad exclusion

Kevin Foley feels "betrayed" by the Republic of Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, after being left out of the country's Euro 2012 squad. "It is hard to take," the defender said. "I sort of feel betrayed. I don't want to go into too much detail." MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

With Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool might be going back to the roots of a fabulous tradition, putting their future in the hands of a young coach of burning ambition and confidence. But he will need total freedom and control. MORE