Gerrard and Dalglish
Gerrard is saddened by Dalglish’s exit Reuters

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said recently fired manager Kenny Dalglish would always remain his idol. The Anfield legend was sacked from the managerial post by the club's American owners on Wednesday after a dismal season in the league, in which the Reds finished below Merseyside rivals Everton.

Gerrard, who was named captain of England's Euro 2012 team by new manager Roy Hodgson, said he was saddened by Dalglish's exit and promised to ensure the progress made under the 61 year old was built on under the new manager.

"The last 24 hours has been a rollercoaster for me. I am very sad to see Kenny leave our club. He is my idol and will always be my idol and I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for what he has done for my career. My focus now is on doing my best for England in the European Championships and then returning to Liverpool for a new season where we will look to build on the progress of the last 18 months and be competitive at the business end of the Premier League," an official statement quoted the 31 year old as saying.

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed manager Roberto Martinez is due to hold talks with the Merseysiders over the vacant role. Ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas and Swansea City's Brendan Rodgers are also thought to be contenders for the position.

Meanwhile, Championship winners Reading are reportedly preparing a shock move for Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole, reports the Daily Mail. The 30 year old was on a season-long loan at French club Lille and will return to Anfield next week, after the French club's final-day game against Nancy.

Reading's new mega-rich Russian owner Anton Zingarevich is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the club's return to the Premier League and will propose an offer for the former Chelsea man. However, the Berkshire club are unwilling to pay the player's reported £70,000 per week wages in full and hence might settle for a loan deal.

Cole, who has two years left on his Liverpool contract, had earlier been informed by Dalglish he had no long-term future at the club. However, following the Scot's dismissal, the player is reoprtedly waiting to hear from the new manager, whoever that may be, before considering a move away from Anfield.