**Liverpool are on the verge of sealing Andoni Iraola as their new head coach.**
Iraola became the early forerunner for the vacant Anfield hot seat in the wake of Arne Slot’s sacking last weekend due to his body of work at Bournemouth.
The Spaniard’s tactical approach is understood to have been a key factor in talks as the Reds aim to confirm his appointment ahead of the World Cup.
Sporting director Richard Hughes appointed Iraola during his time at the Vitality Stadium and has been leading the search for Slot’s successor.
Two other candidates have been explored alongside the 43-year-old by the club’s hierarchy in Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage of Lens.
But Iraola’s ability to sign as a free agent after leaving the South Coast has strengthened his candidacy beyond what he will bring to the job itself.
Liverpool will still need to broker compensation deals with Bournemout as part of the former defender’s plans to reunite with several former backroom allies.
Assistant Tommy Elphick as well as coaches Shaun Cooper, Pablo de la Torre and Tom Webber are all understood to be wanted for his move to Mersyeside.