The 63-year-old Frenchman is reportedly in contention to fill the void left by the departure of Martin O'Neill before the start of the season.

Suggestions differ from the outright manager's job to a director of football role but Houllier would not comment on speculation when he arrived for Jamie Carragher's testimonial game against an Everton XI at Anfield this afternoon.

"Never and always are two words you can't use in football," the Frenchman told Press Association Sport.

Houllier last managed in the Premier League with Liverpool, leading them to a UEFA Cup, FA Cup, League Cup treble in 2001.

He left in 2004 and went on to take in a spell in charge of Lyon between 2005 and 2007.

Houllier is currently a technical director for the French Football Federation.