Ajax boss Frank de Boer would consider Liverpool approach to replace Brendan Rodgers

Ajax manager Frank de Boer would be very interested in taking the Liverpool job next summer should the club make an approach.

De Boer was reportedly on a four-man shortlist for the Liverpool job in 2012 following the departure of Kenny Dalglish but opted to remain in the Eredivisie.

The Dutchman has since garnered a reputation as one of the continent's most successful young coaches, having led Ajax to four consecutive league titles.

De Boer was once again accosted by a Premier League club in the summer as Tottenham Hotspur held negotiations with the 44-year-old before they eventually settled for Mauricio Pochettino.

According to his brother Ronald de Boer, the Ajax boss would prefer a challenge at Anfield amid mounting pressure on current Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

When asked whether his brother was a possible replacement for Rodgers, Ronald told Fox Sports: "Not yet, especially in the winter, but at the end of the season he surely could.

"It is a nice club. If Liverpool come now he would certainly think about it. He would certainly not close the door immediately, like he did two years ago."

De Boer was also heavily linked with the manager's job at Barcelona following the dismissal of Gerardo Martino in the summer. The former Dutch international indicated he would have no interest in taking a job at a club who are already an established force, preferring one where an extensive rebuild is required.

"As for the football, the club is a match for me," De Boer was quoted as saying by Voetbal Primeur in April when asked about Barcelona.

"But do you really think I can teach them? Players like Messi, Neymar, Iniesta, Xavi and Alves? In the club you are more of a people manager.

"Then it would have been more fun to go to Liverpool, since there was improvement to make. Look where Brendan Rodgers is now with the club."

Rodgers has come under unprecedented pressure in the past week following Liverpool's elimination from the Champions League at the group stage and their 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United, a result that left them stranded in 10<sup>th place seven points off fourth-placed West Ham United.