GORDON STRACHAN is one of five names reported to being discussed by Liverpool's board today after it was confirmed that Gerard Houllier had been sacked as Anfield boss.

Liverpool ended Houllier's six-year reign at the club at a midday press conference, something that had been inevitable since last week when chairman David Moores had not given the Frenchman public backing.

Houllier had previously issued an ultimatum to Moores and his board to make clear his future and was confident of being retained, having achieved the "minimum requirement" of Champions' League qualification.

But fourth place has proved to be not enough and, although Houllier may be offered another role, the club will look for a new manager to take the club forward.

Houllier won five trophies in 2001 and won the League Cup for a second time in 2003 but has failed to return the club to the past glories of the 1970s and 1980s.

Now, Strachan, along with Celtic's Martin O'Neill, Charlton's highly-rated Alan Curbishley, Valencia's Rafael Benitez and Chelsea target Jose Mourinho of FC Porto, are favourites for the job.

Strachan quit Saints midway through last season, saying he was taking time to spend more time with his family.