Lee set for Reds return

Liverpool move to appoint assistant to Benitez

Last updated: 14th May 2008

Sammy Lee Bolton manager

Lee: Liverpool return expected

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Liverpool are in talks with Sammy Lee with a view to him becoming Rafa Benitez's assistant manager at Anfield.

Lee, an ex-England international, enjoyed an illustrious playing career at Liverpool and he then moved into coaching after retiring.

The former Reds midfielder operated as reserve team manager and first team coach under former bosses Graeme Souness and Gerard Houllier.

But he left in 2004, when Benitez arrived on Merseyside, to become a full-time coach with the England side before joining Bolton as assistant manager to Sam Allardyce the following year.

Discussions

Lee was then appointed as manager of Bolton following the departure of Allardyce in April 2007, but he was sacked last October after a dismal start to the season.

Liverpool boss Benitez is on the look-out for an assistant following last week's departure of first team coach Alex Miller, who has agreed to manage Japanese side JEF United Chiba

Lee has held talks with Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry and he is expected to complete negotiations and return to the club as Benitez's No.2.

The imminent appointment has been approved by Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who recognise Benitez has been without an official assistant since the departure of Pako Ayesteran in August 2007.