Liverpool have dismissed reports claiming Carlo Ancelotti has been approached about the possibility of succeeding manager Brendan Rodgers.

Media reports claimed the Italian, who was fired by Real Madrid at the end of last season, just a year after leading the to a 10th Champions League triumph, had been sounded out by owners Fenway Sports Group about taking over at Anfield.

Rodgers has come under pressure after a dismal run of form stretching back to March which has seen the club win just five of their last 18 matches.

Having retained the backing of the board Rodgers was then given the best part of £80m to spend on new players, which included £32.5m on Christian Benteke and a potential £29m for Roberto Firmino.

Neither have flourished in the early part of the season in which Liverpool have won just one league match thus far.