Liverpool dressing room has already been given telling Erik ten Hag comparison for Arne Slot

Liverpool appears to have identified its top choice to replace Jürgen Klopp as manager. A host of names have been linked with the Anfield job in recent months, most notably Xabi Alonso and Rúben Amorim.

But Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is the leading candidate and the Daily Mail reports that talks are well underway between the two clubs, and could even be finalized in the coming days.

Slot has done a fine job at Feyenoord since arriving in 2021 from AZ. He reached the Europa Conference League final in his first season in charge and followed that up by winning the Eredivisie last term.

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His side is on course to finish second this time around, with Slot well-liked by his players. He was lauded by Arsenal ace Reiss Nelson, who spent a season on loan at Feyenoord in 2021/22. Speaking to Colney Carpool, Nelson said: "Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm. He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”

Nelson is not the only one to sing his praises. Moroccan winger Oussama Idrissi played under Slot at AZ before reuniting at Feyenoord, after signing on loan last season. Idrissi, 28, had also had a brief spell at Ajax, where he worked under Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

As far as he is concerned, there is no comparison between the two. Speaking to Dutch newspaper AD last year, Idrissi was asked where Slot ranks alongside the likes of Ten Hag: "For me, he is the best. He can develop players and make teams play fun football."

Slot's attacking style of play has even drawn similarities with Pep Guardiola (per talkSPORT) and he has made no secret of his desire to manage in the Premier League. The 45-year-old was linked with Tottenham last summer but opted to remain with Feyenoord.

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk hinted that his countryman would be a good fit, after being asked about the speculation linking him with the job. Speaking after Wednesday night's Merseyside derby defeat to Everton, Van Dijk told Viaplay Sport: "I find it difficult to answer now. Of course, but I think Arne Slot is perhaps one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment.

"I think the way he plays and the philosophy he has means he could be a Liverpool coach. Well, I think what I also read and hear is that it is far from over and we'll see and next year we'll focus on that. Yes, but just a little longer.”

Liverpool.com says: Slot would arrive at Anfield with a great reputation, should he take over from Klopp this summer. He is clearly admired by the players he has worked with and he has enjoyed success on the pitch too. It is a big step up from Feyenoord to Liverpool but he seems a strong character, determined to succeed.