Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has claimed that Liverpool initially offered the job as boss to Carlo Ancelotti before hiring Jurgen Klopp.

The Merseyside outfit appointed Klopp last week, four days after sacking Brendan Rodgers.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss and Ancelotti were the two favourites, and Redknapp has claimed that the latter was Liverpool's first choice, but the Italian turned them down as he does not intend to return to management until next summer.

"I heard from good sources that [Ancelotti] was offered the Liverpool job," Redknapp told talkSPORT. "I don't think [he wanted it]. They spoke to him at some stage."

Ancelotti was sacked by Real Madrid at the end of last season.