Liverpool are in talks with Sammy Lee about him becoming Rafael Benitez's assistant manager. Rick Parry, the Liverpool chief executive, met with the former Bolton Wanderers manager yesterday and further talks were expected to take place today. The move has been approved by Tom Hicks and George Gillett, the club's controversial co-owners, who both recognise the need for the appointment as the club have been without a No 2 since the departure of Pako Ayesteran last August.

The latest round of talks are expected to progress without a hitch, and the former Liverpool midfielder is expected to be named within the next 24 hours.

Lee, who left Anfield to take up a position with the England national team in 2004, became reserve team manager in 1993 before progressing through the ranks and becoming first team coach under Gerard Houllier in 1999. He became Bolton manager in 2007, surviving just 14 games at the Reebok.