Andoni Iraola has emerged as the front-runner for the vacant Liverpool head coach job after Saturday’s dismissal of Arne Slot.
It is understood Iraola has already spoken to Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan since announcing his departure from Bournemouth but he now appears to be the main target for Liverpool, whose sporting director Richard Hughes appointed him at the Vitality Stadium when he was in a similar role there.
Iraola leaves Bournemouth on a 19-match unbeaten run and having secured Europa League football, the club’s first ever European qualification.
andoni-iraola-chelsea
The Cherries lost only seven league games all season on their way to sixth place - only title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City suffered fewer defeats. Liverpool lost 12 games despite finishing one place ahead of Bournemouth.
Across his three seasons in charge, Iraola’s sides finished 12th, ninth and sixth in the top flight, equalling and then surpassing their best Premier League finishes.
Bournemouth’s success has come despite frequently selling their best performers.
Last season alone, three of Iraola’s first-choice back four departed in pre-season with the club receiving a combined £144.5m in reported fees for Milos Kerkez - with whom Iraola could be reunited at Anfield - Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi. Antoine Semenyo then joined Manchester City in January.
Despite Iraola's impressive credentials, there are other candidates in the mix, with David Ornstein revealing Liverpool will hold talks with Pierre Sage.
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The search is underway to replace Slot.
Fabrizio Romano shares Luis Enrique to Liverpool update
Another popular name amongst Liverpool fans is PSG manager Luis Enrique, who has publicly stated his admiration for Anfield and its atmosphere, even standing on the Kop for a game after retiring as a player.
"I wanted to hear ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’."
arne slot and luis enrique
Fabrizio Romano has quelled rumours of a move however, revealing in his latest Youtube video that the chances of Enrique hijacking Iraola's seat are low due to PSG's plans to offer him a new deal.
"Someone is asking me if there is a possibility for Liverpool to go for Luis Enrique as the manager instead of Iraola," Romano said.
"My understanding is that Enrique is staying at PSG and will be part of the PSG project with a new contract in the near future."
Enrique joined an illustrious list of managers who have won three major European trophies with their victory over Arsenal at the weekend - a list which includes Liverpool legend Bob Paisley.
The Spaniard plays an attacking 4-3-3 formation much like Jurgen Klopp, requiring quick wingers who are elite ball-carriers and drift inside to chip in with goals.
Liverpool have begun negotiating personal terms with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande to fill exactly that role, but it sounds like Enrique won't be the one to work with him at Anfield.
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A boost for the Reds...