The Feyenoord boss has made it clear he wants to move to Anfield (Picture: Getty)
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot says he is keen to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager and has confirmed that the two clubs are in negotiations over a compensation fee.
The Dutchman has emerged as Liverpool’s top choice to take over the reins from Klopp, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.
Liverpool initially targeted former player Xabi Alonso but he elected to remain with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season, forcing the Merseysiders into a rethink.
Despite links with the likes of Sporting boss Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, it is Slot who has stood out throughout the search process and now looks set to land the job.
The 45-year-old has confirmed that talks between Liverpool and Feyenoord over a fee are taking place right now and he is confident there will be no issues, while he is excited to take up the challenge of replacing Klopp.
Speaking to ESPN just before Feyenoord’s clash with Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday evening, Slot said: ‘It seems clear to me that I would like to work there.
‘The clubs are negotiating, so I am still on hold. We have to wait until an agreement is reached, but I have every confidence in that.’
Slot has enjoyed another excellent campaign with Feyenoord (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool are believed to have made an initial offer worth around £7.7million for Slot which was rejected by Feyenoord, but talks have continued.
Slot has enjoyed three excellent seasons in Rotterdam, winning the Eredivisie title last season and securing second place as well as the KNVB Cup this season despite losing a host of key players in the summer, most notably skipper Orkun Kokcu.
The Dutchman has already got the seal of approval from Liverpool captain – and compatriot – Virgil van Dijk, who was asked about the potential appointment after his side’s defeat to Everton on Wednesday.
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Speaking to ViaPlay, he said: ‘I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment. With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach.
‘But I read and hear that it is far from complete. We shall see. We will focus on that next season, but that is still a long way off.’
While Feyenoord did not manage to defend their title this season, they have nevertheless impressed with their attacking brand of football – only PSV have scored more goals – though they did stumble in Europe.
After losing four of their six group games in the Champions League, they dropped into the Europa League but were beaten in the Play-Off round by familiar foe Roma – who also beat them in the 2022 Europa Conference League final.
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