Liverpool open talks for €65m player to become first signing of Arne Slot era

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks over a player who could become the first signing of the Arne Slot era.

After months of speculation following Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, it looks like club bosses are honing in on his successor.

Liverpool are in talks to appoint Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, who led the Dutch club to the Eredivisie title last season and the KNVB Cup this term.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso and Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim were initially the two front runners for the job, but both look set to remain at their current clubs.

Liverpool fans may not be convinced about Slot, but he would be a welcome appointment in the dressing room.

After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Everton on Wednesday, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said Slot's playing philosophy would suit the club.

If Slot does get the job, then Liverpool's dip in form in recent weeks suggests some additions will need to be made to the squad he inherits.

Defensive reinforcements are high on incoming sporting director Richard Hughes' shopping list, and it appears that Liverpool are closing in on their top target.

According to Sky Sports Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the Premier League giants have a 'strong interest' in Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Willian Pacho.

Other reports claim that Liverpool have already opened discussions with the Eintracht and the player's agent, but that the Bundesliga side could demand a fee of €65 million.

Eintracht only signed Pacho last summer from Belgian side Royal Antwerp for an initial fee of €9m, rising to €15m if certain bonuses and clauses are met.

The Ecuador international has made 40 appearances in all competition this season for the side currently sixth in the Bundesliga table, and at 22 years old he is a player with his best years still ahead of him.

Pacho could replace the injured Joel Matip, whose current contract expires this summer.

Topics: Liverpool, Transfer News, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot, Eintracht Frankfurt, Football

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton