The Dutchman was sacked just 12 months on from winning the club’s second Premier League title.
Liverpool FC are set to open formal talks with Andoni Iraola in the coming days as they seek to make a swift appointment to replace Arne Slot.
The Dutchman was sacked on Saturday, 30 May, just 12 months on from winning only the club’s second Premier League title in 30 years after a pitiful defence ended with them stumbling to a fifth-placed finish.
After a review of the campaign, beset first by the death of Diogo Jota and then a series of injuries which hampered the team’s performance to the extent they lost 19 matches, owners Fenway Sports Group decided a change of direction was needed.
Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth after guiding them to their highest league finish of sixth, securing a maiden European campaign, was identified as a front-runner and it is understood an official approach will be made.
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes already has a relationship with the Spaniard, having appointed him at Bournemouth when he was in a similar role there.
It is understood Iraola, who is said to be keen on taking the job, has already spoken to Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
The decision to remove Slot was a swift one because as late as Friday evening he still believed he would be continuing next season.
Posting a picture of him with his arm around his fellow Dutchman, captain Virgil van Dijk wrote on Instagram: “We’ll never forget winning the Premier League in our first season together.
"Thank you, Trainer, and best of luck to you and your family for the future.”
Mac Allister wrote: “I’ll always be grateful for the time we spent together. Winning a Premier League is not easy and you were a big part of that success. Thank you and wish you all the best.”
Jones, whose unhappiness at not starting regularly has seen him linked with Inter Milan, said: “Thank you and all the best for the future. Respect you as a man for what you gave our club.”
Liverpool have also confirmed Van Dijk’s central defensive partner Ibrahima Konate will leave the club when his contract expires next month after failing to come to an agreement over financial terms for a new deal.
“Representing this club has been an honour,” Konate posted on Instagram.
“We’ve shared incredible moments together…highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.
“Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge."
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