Brighton boss Robert De Zerbi has a “greater chance” of replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool head coach than Xabi Alonso, according to ESPN reporter Mark Ogden.

The journalist claims that the 44-year-old Italian meets all the criteria that the Reds are looking for in a new manager:

“I think Alonso is obviously the fan favourite, and he ticks all the boxes, but I think my club will go for someone different, and I won’t be surprised if Liverpool appoints Roberto de Zerbi.”

“I think De Zerbi also checks all the boxes for Liverpool, while Bayern Munich are strong contenders to bring Alonso. So I think De Zerbi has a greater chance to become Liverpool manager, even though he is less popular behind Alonso.’”

De Zerbi is in the running for the job

Very early on after Klopp’s announcement that he would leave Anfield, another journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that De Zerbi was on the shortlist of potential candidates.

Whether the Seagulls boss is still one of the leading contenders, as Odgen claims, it is up for debate, considering the strong rumours about Alonso.

Liverpool now have the key men in place to appoint a new manager

It was felt that the Reds wouldn’t consider replacements for Klopp until they had a new sporting director. With both Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes having been confirmed in roles at the club, the search for the club’s next head coach should start in earnest.

Of course, informal discussions are likely to have taken place with certain managers already. You would have thought that initial enquiries have been made to find out if the likes of Alonso and De Zerbi are interested in taking the job. The next step will be to decide on a preferred candidate.

In De Zerbi’s case, the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and even Bayern Munich have been mentioned as other interested parties so Liverpool may look to make an approach as soon as possible if they are as keen as Ogden claims.