Liverpool managerial target Arne Slot has confirmed that he wants to become the new Reds boss.

With Jurgen Klopp set to step down from his role as manager at the end of the reason, negotiations are underway with Feyenoord as they look to acquire the German’s successor. The 45-year-old has been identified as the preferred candidate for the role after Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim emerged as hot favourites.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk gave his backing to the Dutch tactician, in light of their damaging 2-0 defeat to Everton in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby, after Slot became the strongly fancied option to steer the Reds following Klopp’s nine-year tenure.

On Thursday, Feyenoord hosted Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie as they looked to cut away at the deficit to runaway Rleaders PSV Eindhoven. As it stands, Slot is under contract in Rotterdam until 2026 but it is understood that would welcome the opportunity to make the move to the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of their clash in Deventer, he made his Liverpool intentions clear.

«It’s no secret that I want to go to Liverpool,» said Slot. «The clubs are negotiating. We have to wait until an agreement is reached, but I have every confidence in that.»

Liverpool are keen to show the Dutch giants respect throughout the process and wanted to avoid any disruption to Slot’s preparation prior to their 1-0 win over NEC Nijmegen in the KNVB Cup on Sunday.

The Reds sit three points off Premier League leaders Arsenal, following their Blues defeat, but they could slip to third should Manchester City avoid an upset away at Brighton & Hove Albion. They are next in action against West Ham United on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off).