LONDON,
JUNE 2: Liverpool are in advanced talks with former Bournemouth manager
Andoni Iraola as they seek a replacement for Arne Slot, according to
reports on Tuesday.
Iraola has emerged as Liverpool's top target
to replace Slot, who was sacked on Saturday after a turbulent second
season in charge.
Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal in
principle to bring the Spaniard, who left Bournemouth at the end of this
season, to Anfield.
Sporting director Richard Hughes was heavily
involved in hiring Iraola during his time at Bournemouth and is again
spearheading the recruitment of the highly rated coach.
The Reds
are believed to be keen to wrap up a deal with Iraola before the start
of the World Cup next week, which would allow the 43-year-old a lengthy
acclimatisation period before pre-season training.
Slot was sacked last weekend after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
The
Dutchman had led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut
season, but his follow-up campaign quickly turned into a nightmare.
The
death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota last year had a huge impact at
Anfield, while the club's £450 million ($606 million) spending spree on
new signings failed to pay off.
Slot's relationship with star
forward Mohamed Salah also deteriorated, while Liverpool fans turned on
the former Feyenoord manager due to his team's lifeless performances and
poor results. Liverpool's pursuit of Iraola is in line with the club's
desire to move back towards the aggressive, attacking style used by
Slot's predecessor Jurgen Klopp. �"AFP
