Comolli left Liverpool on Thursday in something of a surprise move by the club's American owners with his role in the Reds' recent transfer dealings coming in for criticism after a number of big signings failed to hit the heights.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner confirmed that they decided to replace Comolli as they felt the Frenchman was "probably not the right person" for the job to lead the club's strategy for the future.

The Reds are understood to be keen to maintain the structure of director of football alongside the manager and they are drawing up a shortlist to succeed Comolli.

Widespread reports claim Cruyff, fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal and former Barcelona director of football Txiki Begiristain are the early contenders for the role.

Cruyff has previously enjoyed supervisory roles at former club Ajax and Mexican side Chivas and he is also credited with playing a huge part in helping Barcelona develop into the dominant force they are with his philosophy on the style of football.