Exclusive – Carlo Ancelotti WAS offered the Liverpool job, claims Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp has told talkSPORT Carlo Ancelotti WAS offered the job to replace Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager, despite the club publicly denying they had approached the Italian.

The former Chelsea manager, who was available following his departure from Real Madrid at the end of last season, was linked with the job even before an under-pressure Rodgers was given the boot.

In mid-September it was reported club owners Fenway Sports Group were already searching for a new manager and had sounded out Ancelotti over the role.

But Liverpool sources were quoted denying the claims, suggesting senior FSG figures still had full faith in Rodgers.

Weeks later, of course, the Northern Irishman was axed and German Jurgen Klopp appointed as his replacement.

But Redknapp claims Liverpool DID offer the job to Ancelotti first.

“I have heard from good sources that he [Ancelotti] was offered the Liverpool job,” the former Tottenham and QPR boss told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“I don’t think [he wanted it]. They spoke to him at some stage.”

Despite missing out on the Champions League-winning boss, Redknapp believes Klopp is the right fit for Liverpool and will succeed at the Anfield helm.

“I do like the look of Klopp, he’s a good appointment," he said. "He’s looks bright, with great enthusiasm and he looks like he could be a really good addition to the Premier League. I’m looking forward to watching Liverpool play over the next few years.”

Ancelotti has expressed an interest in returning to the Premier League before his illustrious managerial career ends.

Manchester City are one club said to be on the hunt for another man to replace Manuel Pellegrini, who has yet to fulfil the Blues owners’ goal of Champions League glory.

And Redknapp says only a top job will tempt Ancelotti back to English shores.

He added: “Ancelotti’s had a little break from the football scene already and obviously feels he’s ready to come back in again.

“It’s got to be a big club for him, he’s a manager of Champions League clubs so he’s not going to take any job.

“There are only five or six jobs he could take in the Premier League, so it’s very interesting to see what he’s got in mind.”