Liverpool have opened talks with Andoni Iraola about becoming their new head coach.
Bournemouth’s former boss was quickly identified as the primary target following the surprise sacking of head coach Arne Slot on Saturday.
The Press Association understands sporting director Richard Hughes, who already has a relationship with the Basque having appointed him three years ago when he was working in a similar role with the Cherries, has made contact and is leading the talks.
Iraola led Bournemouth to the Europa League this season
Iraola led Bournemouth to the Europa League this season(Mike Egerton/PA)
Liverpool are keen to make a swift appointment, ideally before the start of the World Cup next week, to allow pre-season preparations to be adjusted accordingly but they insist they will follow a proper process in order to make the right appointment.
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At this point there have been no approaches to any individuals to join the coaching staff – it was reported Iraola would want to bring Cherries assistant manager Tommy Elphick with him.
The pursuit of Iraola is in line with the club’s desire to move back towards a more aggressive, front-foot, urgent style of football which they lost during Slot’s second season and which ultimately cost him his job.