Liverpool managerial target Roberto De Zerbi will see his release clause increase to €15m (£13m) if he signs a new contract at Brighton, according to Sport.

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano had already confirmed the existence of a clause that would allow De Zerbi to leave the Amex this summer but it now appears that, with the Reds’ interest, the Seagulls will make it even harder for the Italian to move teams.

De Zerbi is known to be high on the list of replacements that FSG are considering for Jurgen Klopp, with the 44-year-old and Xabi Alonso the two frontrunners for the job.

Sport claim that Barcelona were also eyeing De Zerbi as a potential successor to Xavi but the compensation required has put them off the idea.

De Zerbi is a highly rated manager

The Italian has many admirers but none more so than Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola. Speaking about De Zerbi back in May last year, the 5-time Premier League winner said:

“Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. There is no team playing the way they play. It’s unique. I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great”.

Another potential candidate has rubbished claims linking him with the Liverpool job

Earlier this week, it was reported that Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou would be among the names that the Reds would consider as their next manager. Asked about the rumours in a press conference on Friday afternoon, the Australian said:

“If [the links to Liverpool] is just people throwing up names, then who cares? Like, seriously? But, at the end of the day, if I’m doing a good job then hopefully people will acknowledge that, in one form or another — whatever that form is. But so-called ‘chat’, that’s of no interest to me.”