Virgil van Dijk says Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot’s footballing “philosophy” makes him an appropriate candidate to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool.

The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Liverpool have had an opening bid for Slot rejected after making the Dutchman their preferred choice to replace Klopp — who will step down at the end of the season after nine years at the helm.

An opening offer of €9million (£7.7m, $9.6m) was knocked back, with Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football Michael Edwards and new sporting director Richard Hughes leading the negotiations with Feyenoord CEO Dennis te Kloese.

Liverpool are also in contact with Slot — who is enthusiastic at the prospect of taking over at Anfield.

Fabrizio Romano: Arne Slot to hold ‘direct conversation’ with Virgil van Dijk	Graeme Souness tells Arne Slot the Liverpool player he must get 'on side' after appointment	Journo Dave Powell explains why Liverpool went for Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement

Van Dijk was asked about reports linking his fellow countryman with the top job after Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Everton on Wednesday evening.

“I find it hard to answer of course, but I think Arne Slot is perhaps one of the better Dutch coaches at this moment,” Van Dijk told European streaming platform, Viaplay.

He added: “I think the way of playing and the philosophy he has, that he could be a Liverpool coach.

“Only I think from what I read and hear is that it’s still far from being completed.

We shall see.”

Wednesday’s defeat to Everton was Liverpool’s first in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park since 2010 and all-but ended their hopes of lifting a second Premier League trophy under Klopp.

The 32-year-old defender said Liverpool “have no chance to win the title” if they fail to show more effort in their four remaining fixtures in Klopp’s farewell season.

“I think everyone needs to take a look in the mirror and look at their own performance if they really gave everything and if they really want to win the league,” he said.

He added: “Games likes these, the bare minimum is fight.
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