The biggest news today is the report in the Liverpool Echo that former Reds player and coach Sammy Lee has been in talks with the club regarding becoming Rafa Benitez’s assistant manager.

As reported last week, Lee has been lined up to make his return to Anfield following the departure of first team coach Alex Miller and also former assistant manager Pako Ayesteran’s departure last September.

Lee played for the Reds from 1976 to 1986 before working as reserve team coach under Roy Evans and then first team coach under Gerard Houllier. He left shortly after Benitez arrived at Anfield in 2004, allowing Benitez a ‘fresh start’ at the time. Lee took up a position with the England national team before becoming Sam Allardyce’s assistant at Bolton and then appointed Bolton boss after Allardyce left at the end of the 2006/07 season. Lee was sacked after just 14 games this season.

A vastly experienced and respected coach, Lee would be welcomed back at Anfield by fans and club staff alike.

The Echo report that “both parties hopeful an agreement will be reached imminently” following the move being approved by Hicks and Gillett.

Elsewhere, the transfer Rumour Mill continues, although the only reports today are that Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor won’t be arriving as cover for Pepe Reina, according to the Daily Mail. They claim Taylor will instead sign a new contract with the relegated Blues. Bizarre if true!

The Gareth Barry saga could dominate this summer, with Aston Villa hoping to persuade their captain to stay at the club. Martin O’Neill said “We’ve spoken to Gareth and our position remains the same - that everyone here strongly wishes that he will stay. He has two years on his contract to run and Liverpool have made an offer.”

That offer is said to include player(s)-plus-cash, with Peter Crouch, Jermaine Pennant and John Arne Riise being offered as part of any deal.

Link: The LFC Rumour Mill