Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Feyenoord over Arne Slot, with the Dutchman emerging as the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at the helm this summer.
The Reds are facing the hugely difficult task of replacing the inspirational Klopp at the end of the season, with the German standing down from his role once the 2023-24 campaign has concluded.
Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim had seemingly been the favourite to replace Klopp, but the 39-year-old is now being heavily linked with West Ham United, with David Moyes potentially leaving the London Stadium this summer.
Speculation linking Slot with the managerial role at Anfield has gathered pace in recent days, and according to Sky Sports News, discussions between the two clubs have now started.
The report claims that the 45-year-old is determined to complete a move to the Merseyside giants, and there is hope that compensation of around £9m could be agreed.
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Liverpool 'open talks with Feyenoord over Arne Slot deal'
Liverpool are allegedly attracted to Slot's 'aggressive and full-throttle' brand of football, and he has enjoyed huge success since taking charge of Feyenoord in July 2021.
Slot led his current side to last season's Eredivisie title, while he secured the Dutch Cup last weekend courtesy of a 1-0 success over NEC and finished as a runner-up in the 2021-22 Europa Conference League.
The Rotterdam outfit are second in the 2023-24 Eredivisie table despite losing just twice from 30 games, with PSV Eindhoven on course to win the title this term.
The Dutchman's record at Feyenoord is 94 wins, 29 draws and 23 losses from 146 matches, while he has also managed Cambuur and AZ since stepping into coaching in 2016.
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Tottenham Hotspur 'wanted Arne Slot last summer'
Tottenham Hotspur were allegedly 'determined' to bring in Slot last summer, but he ultimately decided to sign a new contract with Feyenoord until the summer of 2026.
At the time, Slot said that he 'was not done' at Feyenoord, but Liverpool appear to have turned his head, and an agreement could be reached relatively quickly.
"I think it is logical that he is in such a good position. It is very special how he has manifested himself in recent years and has really given Feyenoord a face," Feyenoord technical director Dennis te Kloese recently told ESPN.
"We responded by extending his contract (in May last year until 2026). In any case, we assume that he will also be our trainer next year. We have experienced this situation before and will take good care of our own interests."
Chelsea and Leeds United are also both believed to have been interested in Slot during his time at Feyenoord, but it appears that he could now arrive in the Premier League at Liverpool.
Matt Law
