Liverpool in talks with Lee about Anfield role

(GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool are in talks with their former midfielder Sammy Lee with a view to him becoming Rafael Benitez's assistant manager at Anfield. Lee, sacked as manager at Bolton last October, has held discussions this week with Liverpool chief executive, Rick Parry.

The ex-England international had an illustrious playing career at Liverpool before moving into coaching, and has previously been reserve team manager and first team coach at the club under Graeme Souness and Gérard Houllier. Now he is expected to complete negotiations imminently and return to the club as Benitez's No 2.

Fan power could keep Steve Coppell at relegated Reading after he dropped the strongest hint yet he will stay on as manager and try to lead the club back into the Premier League next season. Coppell, whose team's demotion after just two seasons at the top was confirmed on Sunday despite a 4-0 win at Derby, will announce his decision at the end of the week.

The former Manchester United and England winger was touched by the reception he was given from the 3,000-plus travelling fans at Pride Park, while local radio stations have been bombarded with supportive texts, begging him to fulfil his contract, which has a year to run.

There has even been a "Save Steve Coppell" group set up on a social networking website and Coppell said: "The fans' support does come into my thinking and I was delighted with the reception they gave me personally. From that point of view, I feel blessed to be working for a club where I am appreciated."

The Bundesliga side Hamburg have appointed former Tottenham manager Martin Jol as their new coach for next season. The Dutchman was dismissed by Spurs last October.