Premier League: Does anyone want the Liverpool job?

You needn't delve too far back to find a time when there would have been any number of takers for the hot seat at Anfield. Not anymore. Ajax's Frank de Boer, Brendan Rodgers and Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp have all rejected the chance to discuss the vacancy with the Liverpool hierarchy.

It's worth considering that all three are enjoying hugely successful spells at their respective clubs, two of whom won league titles this season. So is this is simply a case of ill-timing or a reflection of unrealistic ambitions on Liverpool's part?

Though Liverpool's 18 league titles still weigh heavy on the club's collective consciousness, it has little bearing on the here and now. Liverpool are 34.033/1 to win next year's Premier League title, only 2.8815/8 sixth favourites to finish in the top six, and ended the last campaign 37 points behind champions Manchester City.

This will be Liverpool's third successive season without Champions League football and they have their Carling Cup exploits to thank for any European involvement at all. Moreover, it's highly likely their absence from Europe's top table proved a sticking point with de Boer and Klopp, both of whom can look forward to the Champions League's group stages.

And prospective managers have the unenviable task of finding favour with Liverpool's hugely demanding supporters. As Roy Hodgson found out, starting off on the wrong foot usually leads to a very short and unpleasant relationship with the Kop. In short, this is a job for the fans' choice.

What's more, the personnel at the club is a far cry from the ambitions the owners espouse. There will be no quick fixes. The squad needs a fairly dramatic overhaul, one will that will inevitably hit Messrs Henry and Werner in the pocket.

Current favourite Andre Villas-Boas does at least have the advantage of being unattached, and has a point to prove after his disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge. The 34-year-old Portuguese heads the betting at 3.02/1 while Roberto Martinez is closing in at 3.929/10.