Liverpool look primed to hire Feyenoord manager Arne Slot as their Jurgen Klopp replacement.
The Reds have taken their time over identifying the right man to succeed Klopp in the Anfield dugout.
However, things are now reportedly set to ‘move fast’ with Slot, after Liverpool installed him as the leading candidate to take over.
The 45-year-old is even said to be picking out houses on Merseyside already. He’s also claimed to have firmed up his choice for assistant manager, too.
Nevertheless, things aren’t over the line for Slot and Liverpool just yet. And with other clubs said to be lurking for the Dutchman, the Reds reportedly have two other options on stand-by.
Liverpool looking at Arne Slot alternatives
There have been plenty of names mentioned as FSG look to find their ideal Klopp replacement this summer. For the most part though, Slot had not really been one of them.
Instead, the press have largely focused on names like Julian Nagelsmann, Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi.
Now, Nagelsmann took himself out of the running last week by surprisingly extending his stay as the Germany national team manager. Amorim meanwhile had looked like the favourite, before being deemed ‘unlikely’ at the start of this week.
The same treatment had befallen De Zerbi several weeks earlier, with the Italian seemingly dropping out of the running.
However, The Guardian have now written that both Amorim and De Zerbi are actually still ‘under consideration’ by Liverpool. Slot, it’s claimed, is a ‘strong candidate’ but the Reds could reportedly face ‘competition’ for the Feyenoord manager from Bayern Munich, Barcelona and AC Milan.
As a result, Liverpool need to have some back-up options. And these would appear to be Amorim and De Zerbi. For all of the candidates, it’s claimed that the Reds have not held face-to-face talks. Instead, they have been ‘sounding out’ potential new managers via intermediaries.
Liverpool’s final three names become clear
Throughout the past three months or so, Liverpool have really kept people guessing as to who will follow Klopp at Anfield.
Back when Jurgen announced his intention to leave in January, not many people had Slot down as the man who would take up the mantle.
Plenty had suggested both Amorim and De Zerbi though, and perhaps it will still end up being one of those two managers.
But the only scenario that looks possible is if Slot is either poached by another club or decides to stay at Feyenoord. After yesterday’s press briefing, Liverpool seem confident that that won’t happen.
One thing appears to be certain for now, then. This is the Reds’ final shortlist. Chuck all of the other names in the bin. It looks set to be Slot. If not, take your pick from Amorim or De Zerbi.