Liverpool ramp up Andoni Iraola move as formal talks begin over Arne Slot replacement
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SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool have started formal talks with Andoni Iraola and his representatives to replace sacked Arne Slot in the dugoutLiverpool have started formal talks with Andoni Iraola to replace the sacked Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout.Iraola has emerged as the clear frontrunner to become the next Reds boss after Slot was axed from the position on Saturday after two years in charge.The Spaniard left Bournemouth at the end of the season after three years in charge having led them to European qualification for the first time in their history.Discussions are now ongoing with Iraola and his representatives, with the 43-year-old the overwhelmingly preferred option on a shortlist that is understood to also include Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and Pierre Sage of Lens.The process is being led by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who when in a similar position at Bournemouth appointed Iraola as head coach of the South Coast side.Liverpool view Iraola as the potential appointment who best suits the preferred playing style criteria of the Anfield hierarchy after Slot attracted criticism for his approach during a season in which the Reds finished fifth in defence of the Premier League title won in dominant fashion under the Dutchman last year.Since announcing his departure from Bournemouth earlier this year, Iraola had held talks with AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen over a possible move, but is now edging nearer a move to Merseyside.While there have been links to former midfielder Thiago Alcantara who recently departed his role as assistant to Hansi Flick at Barcelona, Liverpool have yet to make an approach to any other individuals regards joining the coaching staff, with it expected any such moves will, if required, only take place when talks with Iraola have reached an advanced stage. His assistant at Bournemouth, Tommy Elphick, is a lifelong Liverpool fan.But it now appears only a matter of time before Iraola is appointed as Liverpool's 22nd different full-time boss.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!
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