Arne Slot 'confident' deal will be reached to take over at Anfield - 'It’s no secret I want to go to Liverpool'

Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that he wants to take over as Liverpool manager and is "confident" that a deal between the two sides can be reached.

Slot, 45, recently emerged as the new favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after moves for Xabi Alonso - who spearheaded Bayer Leverkusen's maiden Bundesliga title - and Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim reportedly did not come to fruition.

Slot had previously kept his cards close to his chest regarding the potential move, but speaking to ESPN Netherlands he confirmed his desire to leave Feyenoord for Anfield.

Slot said: "The clubs are negotiating. I am awaiting the outcome. It’s no secret I want to go to Liverpool.

"Now I am waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement. I am confident that will happen."

It was reported on Wednesday that Liverpool were set to open talks with Slot - who guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last season, and what looks set to be a second-placed finish this campaign.

Slot replaced Dick Advocaat in the hotseat of the Dutch club in 2021, and his success attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur last season, prior to their appointment of Ange Postecoglou.

Alonso, Amorim and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi were all reported candidates for the Liverpool hotseat, which is being vacated by Klopp at the end of the season. Alonso seemingly rejected the move by signing a contract extension with the Bundesliga champions, and reports have suggested that Slot is now the club's main target.

Slot has achieved great success at Feyenoord, earning a spot at the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022 before claiming the Eredivisie title the following season. His side also won the KNVB Cup this campaign, and have displayed attacking, high-tempo football throughout his time at the helm.

Following Liverpool's 2-0 defeat to Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday, captain Virgil van Dijk told Viaplay "the way he (Slot) plays and the philosophy he has that he could be a Liverpool coach."

Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League standings, three points off leaders Arsenal. Klopp leaves the club at the end of the season having picked up the Carabao Cup this season, as well as historic Champions League and Premier League titles in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.