A second formal approach for the Northern Irishman is anticipated before the weekend. The momentum has swung rapidly towards Rodgers in recent days as Fenway Sports Group continues its exhaustive recruitment process. Rodgers held talks with his Liberty Stadium chairman Huw Jenkins on Tuesday, fully aware the interest from Anfield in his services has intensified.

Although Swansea City played down suggestions their manager’s future was on the agenda, it is clear a decision will have to be taken on whether to allow Rodgers to meet FSG.

Swansea recognise  Liverpool  have never given up hope of discussing their managerial vacancy with Rodgers, and although he had initially rejected the interest from Merseyside, the circumstances have significantly changed since the first approach.

Initial advances

Brendan Rodgers met with chairman Huw Jenkins on Tuesday afternoon but the club insist it was a scheduled appointment and he had not cut short his trip to America especially for it.

Swansea stress they have received no second approach from Liverpool – Rodgers having turned down their initial advances almost a fortnight ago – and it is understood the pair did not even discuss the Anfield vacancy at their meeting.

The primary topic of conversation appears to have been transfers, with the Swans on the verge of completing a club-record £6.8million transfer for on-loan Hoffenheim midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and interested in a loan deal for Tottenham’s out-of-favour Giovani dos Santos – whom Rodgers watched in New York.

However, despite suggestions elsewhere that Rodgers had already been offered the Liverpool job, the club refused to comment officially on their manager’s position.

Liverpool’s hierarchy feel they have handled the situation in a dignified manner, and yet they have been criticised for failing to have a manager sounded out prior to dismissing Dalglish, conduct which would have caused uproar among the Kop icon’s fans. Liverpool’s owners will make no apology for taking time to recruit the right man and it now looks increasingly likely that will be Rodgers.