Liverpool are continuing formal talks with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and are hoping for a swift conclusion.
The Reds pinpointed the Spaniard as their No 1 candidate following the dismissal of Arne Slot on Sunday.
Fellow ex-Cherries man Richard Hughes, the sporting director, is leading talks and favours Iraola due to his high-intensity, exciting playing style.
The Reds are looking to replace Arne Slot as efficiently as possible but will take their time to ensure they make the correct decision.
Liverpool have also considered Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Lens manager Pierre Sage.
A key factor for the Merseysiders is whether the incoming gaffer is able to fit their desired playing style.
Liverpool are continuing talks with Andoni Iraola to replace Arne Slot as their manager
Mohamed Salah, and indeed many fans, became disgruntled at Slot’s more calculated style in his second season and are hankering for a return to the ‘heavy metal’ style which Jurgen Klopp introduced.
Iraola built his reputation at Bournemouth as a manager who prioritises high-pressing, fast transitions, and attractive football – but the question is whether he can translate that to an elite club.
The Spaniard’s services have been in high demand after he led the Cherries into the Europa League.
He has already spoken with AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen, while Crystal Palace were also hopeful of appointing him, but he is understood to want the Anfield hot seat.
Liverpool would become Iraola’s fifth managerial job after Cyriot outfit AEK Larnaca, Spanish clubs Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano and then Bournemouth.
The Reds confirmed on Saturday that the process to appoint a new boss is underway, adding of Slot: ‘He leaves with a Premier League title to his name and our deepest gratitude and appreciation.’
Daily Mail Sport understands the dismissal came as a surprise to much of the squad, who thought he had ridden the storm of recent weeks.
Slot was informed his Liverpool career was over around 11am – just 90 minutes before the club announced their decision at 12.30pm on Saturday.
A key consideration for Liverpool’s chiefs is finding a manager who fits their desired play style
He was sacked following a review into Liverpool’s troubled season that was led by Hughes and Michael Edwards, chief executive of football at the club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group.
FSG continues to back the pair to lead Liverpool’s football operation despite the disappointing return on last summer’s outlay on new signings of almost £450m, including British record fees on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Hughes and Edwards are understood to have started their review before the end of the season.
Slot was assessed along with the data behind the team’s performances. Players were not consulted and, although supporter unrest was taken into account, it is not believed to have played a decisive role in their final conclusion that the team were unlikely to improve under Slot. FSG then signed off the recommendation of Hughes and Edwards.
