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Jurgen Klopp has hailed Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi amid rumours the Italian could replace him at Liverpool next season.

De Zerbi is among the managers who have been linked with the Liverpool job after Klopp announced he would be stepping down this summer.

Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso was the early favourite, given his links to the club and the impressive job he has done at Bayer Leverkusen.

However, Alonso has now ruled himself out of the running and Klopp has given De Zerbi a ringing endorsement as he praised the way Brighton play and the "incredible job" the 44-year-old has done so far.

Liverpool are set to host the Seagulls on Sunday and Klopp said in his pre-match press conference: "We go for three points, that is clear.

De Zerbi is among the favourites to replace Klopp when he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season.

And Klopp has admitted he "understands" why Alonso has decided to commit his future to Leverkusen.

"I can talk about being a young manager being at a club and being successful," Klopp said.

"Leverkusen are really impressive, it's not like he has built from other years.