Liverpool 'add surprise name to list of possible Klopp replacements'

Liverpool have reportedly identified Niko Kovac as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds are searching for a new manager to succeed Klopp when he vacates the Liverpool hotseat at the end of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso initially emerged as the favourite, before he confirmed his intention to stay with the German club for the 2024-25 campaign.

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has since become the frontrunner following speculation that he has reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool.

Amorim has denied any suggestion that an agreement is in place as he focuses on Sporting's Primeira Liga title bid.

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While Amorim remains the clear favourite, a surprise name has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Klopp ahead of next season.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are considering Kovac after adding the former Bayern Munich boss to their managerial shortlist.

The report claims that Kovac's representatives have been in London to sound out Premier League clubs about potential job opportunities this summer.

Kovac has previously worked in six different managerial roles, but he is yet to take charge of a team in the English top flight.

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Kovac's managerial journey

The 52-year-old began his managerial career with the Croatia Under-21 side before spending two years in charge of the senior national team.

Kovac subsequently took over the reins at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he experienced a couple of memorable runs in the DFB-Pokal.

After leading the team to the final in 2016-17, Kovac went one better in the following season, guiding the club to their first Pokal trophy in 30 years.

Kovac went on to win the Bundesliga, Pokal and German Super Cup with Bayern Munich before he was sacked in November 2019.

After spending 18 months with Monaco, Kovac returned to Germany to become Wolfsburg head coach prior to the 2022-23 season.

The Croatian finished in eighth position in his first campaign with Wolfsburg, but he was sacked last month following a 11-game winless league run.