Brendan Rodgers set to sign new four-year deal as Liverpool manager

Reds' boss set to commit long-term future at Anfield following excellent season

Brendan Rodgers to sign new deal with Liverpool (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool may have all but surrendered the Premier League crown to Manchester City following their draw at Crystal Palace but fans can take solace in reports that manager Brendan Rodgers is set to agree a new four-year deal.

Rodgers and the club owners, Fenway Sports Group, are understood to have secured a deal that will keep the ex-Swansea manager at Anfield until at least 2018, although it has not been signed just yet.

The Reds looked set for their first title since 1990 but defeat to Chelsea recently and squandering a three goal lead at Selhurst Park on Monday night have handed a huge advantage to City.

The new contract will have a key difference to that of Rodgers’ initial deal when he joined from Swansea two years ago. The final year of his new deal will not be ‘optional’ depending on his performance as it was when he arrived, suggesting the club is happy with Rodgers being a central part of their future plans.

Despite no actual pen to paper as of yet, an announcement could be made before Sunday’s final game of the season against Newcastle.

Rodgers’ new deal is no great surprise given the success of Liverpool’s season.

His team has qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the 2009/10 season, had three players in the PFA Team of the Year and have the PFA and FWA Player of the Year in star striker Luis Suarez.

The club set Rodgers the target of 76 points for this season, ensuring European football next year, and Liverpool have well surpassed that total.

Even though the Reds have surprised and delighted fans and pundits alike with their brand of entertaining football, the season seems destined to end trophy-less with Manchester City needing four points from their reaming two games.