Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle with Feyenoord for their head coach Arne Slot to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
Slot featured on Liverpool’s list of candidates to replace the Liverpool boss from the start – and topped it when they finished due diligence on all the key criteria.
After days of negotiations, the PA news agency understands the two clubs have settled on a compensation package for the 45-year-old, who had two years left on his contract.
Dutch newspaper AD reported that Feyenoord and Liverpool held positive discussions and only the final details need to be decided for Slot to join the English club.
Slot, who last year led the Dutch club to only their second league title this century, has said it is “clear I would like to go to Liverpool”.
On Thursday, he said he was confident a deal would be agreed.
“Everybody understands Feyenoord will want to receive as much money as they can get, but I get the feeling that they will not begrudge me this move,” he said.
Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp on cooking, life after Anfield and how he would like to be remembered
Jurgen Klopp is ‘very shrewd’ to quit Liverpool, former England manager Glenn Hoddle says
Jurgen Klopp offers with ‘open arms’ to make Sven-Goran Eriksson’s dying Liverpool wish come true
“I expect that things will become clearer over the next few days.”
Klopp is standing down at the end of the season after nine years at the helm of Liverpool.
Xabi Alonso, the outstanding candidate for every top club seeking a new manager this summer, ruled himself out of contention by remaining at Bayer Leverkusen.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Klopp, who has not been involved in the recruitment process, has praised his likely successor.
“I like the way his team plays football, definitely,” he said.
“All the things I hear about him – some people I know know him, I don’t know him yet – but some people tell me that he’s a really good guy, and I like that a lot.
“So, good coach, good guy, looking forward for the club. If he’s the solution, or the man, then I’m more than happy.
“It’s not up to me to judge these things but it all sounds really good to me.
“It’s the best job in the world, best club in the world. Obviously now, I help even by not finishing on a high – it looks like – so there’s space for improvement.
“It’s great job, fantastic people. He would take a really interesting job.”
