Liverpool host Brighton at Anfield on Sunday, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side posing a serious threat after scoring nine goals across their last two matches.
Andoni Iraola’s Reds return to Premier League action after edging out Villarreal 4-3 in a thrilling Champions League encounter on Tuesday night.
Having beaten Brentford 2-1 following their defeat to Manchester City, Liverpool will look to maintain their momentum at home.
However, Brighton arrive on Merseyside in impressive form after thrashing Crystal Palace 5-0, making them a formidable test for the Reds. Ahead of the encounter, Hurzeler’s future has come under scrutiny amid reports linking him with Manchester United.
According to The Telegraph, the Brighton manager does not have a release clause in his contract, meaning any interested club could face a world-record compensation fee to secure his services.
Brighton are relaxed about the situation, despite United viewing the 33-year-old as a potential managerial candidate should they decide to part ways with Michael Carrick.
Hurzeler signed a new contract in May that runs until June 2029. Brighton are believed to value him highly and would demand a substantial fee, potentially exceeding the £21.5million Chelsea paid to appoint Graham Potter and the £21.7million Bayern Munich spent on Julian Nagelsmann.
The Seagulls believe Champions League qualification is within reach under Hurzeler. Brighton are believed to remain focused ahead of difficult league fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City.
There is also no certainty that Hurzeler would be interested in the United job, given the instability at Old Trafford and the opportunities that could emerge in the future.
Brighton stood by the German during a difficult spell last season, when they managed just one win in 13 league games and some supporters called for his dismissal.
He was subsequently rewarded with a new contract, while reported interest from other clubs over the summer failed to materialise into a move.
Brighton sit third in the Premier League, behind Manchester City and Arsenal, following a superb start to the season that has included impressive victories over both Arsenal and Aston Villa.
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