Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has insisted that the Reds are determined to find the "right candidate" to replace Kenny Dalglish but there will be no rush to get the new boss in place.

The Merseyside outfit are searching for their fourth manager in three years after dismissing Dalglish from the club yesterday.

"[The recruitment process is] essentially the same as it's always been at Liverpool Football Club," Ayre told the club's official website. "Whether it was the board of Liverpool recruiting Bill Shankly many years ago or the recruitment of Kenny Dalglish 18 months ago, it's the same process.

"The board will create a criteria of what that manager should look like and we'll match that with the best possible candidates and make a decision on that basis.

"[The timing of the appointment] will be dictated by finding the right candidate of the right quality. What we want is the best, what we don't want is to choose quickly or choose because there's a time pressure. It'll be about finding the right person who can do the best job for Liverpool Football Club."

Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is reportedly interested in the vacancy, while Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers and Rafael Benitez have all been touted as potential contenders.