Liverpool take first steps towards Klopp appointment

Jurgen Klopp: New Reds boss

Jurgen Klopp: New Reds boss

Liverpool have taken steps to naming Jurgen Klopp as their new manager after reportedly sounding out the German about taking up the vacancy.

Brendan Rodgers was sacked as Reds boss less than two hours after Sunday’s 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby, and owners Fenway Sports Group are moving quickly to secure his replacement.

Klopp, out of work having taken a sabbatical after leaving Borussia Dortmund last season, was immediately installed as the favourite having been touted by fans as Rodgers’ successor even before his dismissal.

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre is understood to be liaising closely with the club’s United States-based ownership group – principal owner John W Henry, Reds chairman Tom Werner and FSG president Mike Gordon – over the recruitment process which they hope to have completed before the players return from international break next week.

Henry had personal involvement in the last appointment, being pictured meeting Roberto Martinez for coffee in Miami before the Spaniard withdrew himself from the process, but, having opted for a young manager with potential back in 2012, FSG are now inclined to appoint someone who has a proven record.

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Klopp won two Bundesliga titles and reached a Champions League final and is seen by many as the ideal fit at Anfield, with plenty of parallels being drawn with his spell with Dortmund, restoring the fortunes of a club which had lost its way.

However, despite the clamour for Klopp and his position as the outright favourite, Liverpool will keep their options open, although the available three-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti is widely viewed as less of a good match than his German rival.

While FSG are keen to have their new manager in place as soon as possible, it is understood there is nothing imminent in the next 48 hours.

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