Liverpool legend Steve McManaman believes the days when Liverpool could pick and choose their next manager are ‘long gone’.  

The Reds are searching for a new manager after the surprise dismissal of Kenny Dalglish last week.

Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers, who had been linked heavily with the Liverpool job, has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial position.

McManaman dismissed rumours that the likes of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola could be heading to Anfield as Reds fans not “living in the real world”.

McManaman told Sporting Life: “You [Liverpool] can’t identify Pep Guardiola and go and get him, you can’t identify Jose Mourinho and go and get him. Those days of that type of appointment have long gone. It’s unrealistic, isn’t it?

“Of course, we’d like Pep or we’d like Jose Mourinho – but we’re living in the real world. I don’t know who’s available, who’s willing to come.

“The finance is a big thing, whether you’re going to have to extricate someone from a contract. It’s not like it was 20 years ago.”

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is currently a big favourite to replace Kenny Dalglish, and it has been confirmed the former Swansea boss has flown to Miami to begin talks with Liverpool’s American owners.

“I know they’re speaking to a number of managers, aren’t they, and trying to bring in the right appointment,” McManaman continued. “People are picking on Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers. They’re both wonderful managers and Roberto Martinez is a superstar – he’s a friend of mine.”