Liverpool reach agreement in principle with Feyenoord over Klopp's successor

Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle with Feyenoord for their head coach Arne Slot to become Jurgen Klopp's successor.

Slot featured on Liverpool's list of candidates to replace the Liverpool boss from the start - and topped it when they finished due diligence on all the key criteria.

After days of negotiations, Sky Sports News understands the two clubs have settled on a compensation package for the 45-year-old, who had two years left on his contract.

Dutch newspaper AD reported that Feyenoord and Liverpool held positive discussions and only the final details need to be decided for Slot to join the English club.

Slot, who last year led the Dutch club to only their second league title this century, has said it is "clear I would like to go to Liverpool".

On Thursday, he said he was confident a deal would be agreed.

"Everybody understands Feyenoord will want to receive as much money as they can get, but I get the feeling that they will not begrudge me this move," he said.

"I expect that things will become clearer over the next few days."

Klopp is standing down at the end of the season after nine years at the helm of Liverpool.

The German manager has become one of the most influential head coaches in the club's history and taken them to being regular title challengers.

After Klopp's initial announcement he was leaving at the end of the season, ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was touted as the top candidate for the role.

However, the Bayer Leverkusen boss ruled himself out of contention by opting to remain at the Bundesliga club.

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Klopp, who has not been involved in the recruitment process, has praised his apparent successor, Slot.

"I like the way his team plays football, definitely," he said.

"All the things I hear about him - some people I know know him, I don't know him yet - but some people tell me that he's a really good guy, and I like that a lot.

"So, good coach, good guy, looking forward for the club. If he's the solution, or the man, then I'm more than happy.

"It's not up to me to judge these things but it all sounds really good to me.

"It's the best job in the world, best club in the world. Obviously now, I help even by not finishing on a high - it looks like - so there's space for improvement.

"It's great job, fantastic people. He would take a really interesting job."