Liverpool 'opens Arne Slot talks' as Feyenoord 'lines up replacement' amid compensation claim

The search for Jürgen Klopp's successor has led Liverpool to Arne Slot, with the Feyenoord boss now the frontrunner to take over at Anfield this summer. A host of managers have been linked with the Liverpool job, most notably Xabi Alonso and Rúben Amorim.

But Slot has emerged as a leading candidate after impressing in the Netherlands. He led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last term and has previously attracted interest from the Premier League, most notably with Tottenham.

He opted to remain with Feyenoord but has made no secret of his desire to manage in England. And it appears he could get his wish with The Athletic reporting that negotiations are now underway between Liverpool and the Dutch side.

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It is claimed that Slot is keen on taking the next step in his career this summer and there have already been significant developments amid the pursuit. Feyenoord takes on Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday night and Slot was due to speak to the media on Wednesday, reports The Times.

However, that press conference is said to have been cancelled with Slot no longer set to face questions about his future. Should Liverpool decide Slot is the man to take over, it will not have to pay a hefty release clause. The Athletic states an opening compensation fee of $9.6m (£7.7m/€9m) has been knocked back by Feyenoord.

Meanwhile, The Mirror reports that Feyenoord has already identified its top choice to replace Slot, if he quits the club. It is stated that FC Twente boss Joseph Oosting would lead the list of managerial targets.

Liverpool is believed to still be considering other options but the pursuit of Slot appears to have been stepped up. He would need to appoint his own backroom team if he takes over, with Pep Lijnders, Vitor Matos and Peter Krawietz all following Klopp out of the exit door.

According to Daily Mail reporter Dominic King, Slot would look to bring his No.2 Sipke Hulshoff with him to Anfield. Hulshoff is also assistant to Ronald Koeman with the Dutch national side and has worked with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.

The Liverpool skipper has previously sung his praises, telling VI.NL last year: "I didn't know Sipke before this. You have to get to know each other. You see what his qualities are and I personally certainly like that.

"Hopefully he can continue that well. He is very clear and tactically strong. I like the moments when he leads a training session. I think I also speak for the group."