Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot is the “preferred choice” to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.

The journalist has revealed that things have moved at pace over the last 24 hours, with the Reds having an opening offer “rejected” by Feyenoord.

There is no release clause in Slot’s contract so the Merseysiders are having to negotiate a compensation package, but the €9m (£7.8m) they offered is not deemed high enough.

Reports in the Dutch media suggest that the reigning Eredivisie champions could demand as much as €15m (£12.9m) for their manager.

Slot wants the job

While the initial setback will be a disappointment for Liverpool, all the signs point towards the Dutchman being appointed Klopp’s successor.

Slot has held talks with other Premier League clubs, most notably Tottenham, in the past before turning down their approaches. However, the 45-year-old is said to be enthusiastic about taking the hot seat at Anfield.

Usually, in those circumstances, a compromise on compensation is reached, especially as Feyenoord are unlikely to want to sour their relationship with Slot, who has been a revelation since being hired in the summer of 2021.

Liverpool’s search for a new manager appears to be nearing its end

When Klopp announced he was leaving the club back in November, a lengthy recruitment process began to find his replacement. FSG were keen to have a new sporting director in place first, and they appointed both Martin Edwards and Richard Hughes to key positions.

The pair have played an integral role in finding a new manager. Xabi Alonso was the initial favourite before the Bayer Leverkusen boss ruled himself out. Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim then became the leading contender but Slot’s name rose to the top of the pile at the start of this week. The Dutchman is seemingly poised to become Liverpool’s 22nd full-time manager this summer.