Arne Slot could be named as Liverpool boss as early as this week as the club ramp up their search for Jurgen Klopp's successor.
It emerged earlier this week that the Feyenoord manager was a leading candidate to take charge at Anfield and talks have since begun about getting him out of his contract in the Netherlands. A compensation offer has been made with Slot having no release clause in his contract.
The Dutchman, who has won league and cup honours over the past two years, is keen on a Liverpool switch. Slot would look to bring some of his staff with him to Anfield and an announcement could be made before the weekend, reports the Daily Mail.
The Feyenoord boss' playing style is seen as a major draw for the Reds hierarchy, who see similarities between his philosophy and the one employed by Klopp across his nine years at the club. That is likely to aid the transition period with the club aiming to continue with the success they've become accustomed to.
Slot was on the radars of Tottenham and Chelsea when they eyed new managers recently, but he opted to remain in Rotterdam. His Feyenoord side have been impressive once again this term, but look set to miss out on the Eredivisie title to rivals PSV.
Liverpool will enter a new era next term but Klopp will not enjoy the dream swan song as the Premier League title now looks to be beyond them. Several weeks ago the German had hopes of leaving as a quadruple winner, having already claimed the Carabao Cup.
Since then though they've been dumped out of the FA Cup and the Europa League whilst their league hopes were dealt a major blow by a defeat at Everton. The Toffees landed the Merseyside derby bragging rights as they secured a memorable win at Goodison Park.
The relegation strugglers scored a goal in either half to leave Liverpool in second - three points behind Arsenal and a point ahead of Manchester City, but having played two more games. Klopp apologised to the fans after his final derby failed to go his way.
He said: “I really feel for the people. I am really sorry for that. People told me so often what a great record we have in the derby. We never lost here before and it feels really different. I really apologise for that. It was unnecessary but it happened. I have no good thoughts at all. Very disappointed and frustrated. It was not good enough.
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