Julian Nagelsmann has opted to continue his relationship with the DFB, extending his contract until 2026.

It’s not necessarily a hammer blow for Liverpool, though it does throw a spanner in the works for Bayern Munich and their ‘great’ (as described by Lionel Scaloni via FootballFanCast) candidate.

Christian Falk shared the update in question on X (formerly Twitter), amid ongoing links with the Bavarian outfit.

Breaking: Julian Nagelsmann will sign a new contract Til 2026 at DFB and will not be Coach of Bayern Munich @BILD_Sport @altobelli13 @YvonneGab

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) April 19, 2024

The Merseysiders are understood to be particularly keen on Ruben Amorim’s services, as things currently stand.

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READ MORE: Paul Merson now predicts who will win title race out of Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City

READ MORE: ‘Agents have spoken to LFC’: Liverpool managerial candidate no one will have expected

The next Liverpool manager won’t be Julian Nagelsmann

No Nagelsmann in the picture could represent a problem down the line, of course, should we fail to land our apparent top target.

We still have faith that the 39-year-old (despite his ‘cycle’ comments to the contrary) will opt to make the switch to Merseyside.

That said, this could be a nerve-wracking few weeks of football as we await further updates on the Amorim front.

Especially so should we fail to gift Jurgen Klopp the kind of ending deserving of his time at L4.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Paul Merson is backing Manchester City to win the Premier League title race.

Only two point separate the incumbent champions from Arsenal (second) and Liverpool (third) at the top of the table.

The 56-year-old is confident that the Sky Blues’ experience will win out over that of their rivals.

“In terms of the Premier League title race, you have to fancy Pep Guardiola and Co now,” the former Gunners star wrote in his Sportskeeda column.

“They are still in the FA Cup but have a big enough squad filled with experience to tackle the business end of the campaign.”

The Sky Sports pundit went on to add: “Fulham have caused teams problems this season and Liverpool are coming on the back of an abysmal week, much like Arsenal.

“They are struggling a bit in front of goal and look like they have sort of fizzled out in recent weeks. I think they’ll drop points once again, effectively ending their title hopes.”

The Merseysiders take on the Cottagers this Sunday following their Europa League exit in Bergamo on Thursday.

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READ MORE: ‘Agents have spoken to LFC’: Liverpool managerial candidate no one will have expected

READ MORE: Worrying Liverpool trend has emerged from Atalanta win; Klopp will be tearing his hair out

Liverpool can still win the title if they fix serious concern

There’s only one way we’re winning the title ahead of our competitors this term.

Liverpool HAVE to fix their profligacy in the final third in the last six games of the season. No excuses.

The Reds haven’t scored a goal from open play in the last four consecutive games played.

They can change all that with a huge performance and potential goal glutz in London this weekend.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Niko Kovac appears far from being the frontrunner for the Liverpool manager job.

That said, fresh claims that the Croatian’s agents ‘have spoken to Liverpool FC’ will do little to allay fans’ fears ahead of the summer.

“Manager Niko Kovac was most recently released in Wolfsburg. Suddenly he is considered a candidate for Liverpool FC,” Christian Falk informed CaughtOffside in his Fact Files column.

“He himself publicly downplays the interest. However, I learned that his agents were actually in England. It is also true that his agents have spoken to Liverpool FC.

“The result: Kovac is not one of the top candidates at Liverpool. But it is also true that he is on an extended list of candidates who are not yet an issue but which the club is monitoring.”

Reds insider Neil Jones has since clarified that links to the soon-to-be-vacant Anfield job largely appears to be agent-manufactured.

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READ MORE: Worrying Liverpool trend has emerged from Atalanta win; Klopp will be tearing his hair out

READ MORE: Why Klopp had to tell off Alisson Becker in the first-half vs Atalanta

Next Liverpool manager: Niko Kovac?

With the greatest of respect to the former Bayern Munich boss… it just can’t be him, can it?

Barring a brief and unsuccessful stint with the former Bundesliga champions, Kovac’s CV and accolades just don’t scream perfect Jurgen Klopp replacement.

Fortunately, it seems a great deal more likely that Amorim will be the man to take over the reins at L4.

Boy, do we all need some good news amid what appears to be a disappointing end to the campaign.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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A worrying trend has emerged from Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Atalanta in the Europa League.

The Merseysiders secured a win in Bergamo – though it wasn’t enough to overturn a three-goal deficit suffered at Anfield – courtesy of Mo Salah’s first-half spot-kick.

It was yet the fourth instance, as spotted by Joel Rabinowitz on X, of the Reds failing to score a goal from open play.

Four consecutive games without scoring a goal from open play. Scary stuff.

— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) April 18, 2024

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READ MORE: Why Klopp had to tell off Alisson Becker in the first-half vs Atalanta

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano just dropped Jamal Musiala news amid serious Liverpool interest

Liverpool must buck worrying trend against Fulham

Frightening stuff, all things considered – especially given that we’re still in with a chance of ending the season with one further piece of silverware.

How on earth can we expect the Reds to achieve that extremely difficult task, however, if our forward line has completely misplaced their shooting boots?

It’s a lot to ask of everyone at this stage of the season, but if we can dig into that mythical well for just the next six games, we could deliver a season actually worthy of the manager.

For Jurgen lads, come on.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Mo Salah was left shrugging his frustrations after a half-time chat with Kostas Tsimikas.

The Greek international was spotted deep in conversation with the Egyptian King with the Reds entering the break in the lead at 1-0.

It’s unclear whether the pair were discussing the former Roma man’s surprising chipped miss in the first 45 or the failure to send off an Atalanta player for a blatant denial of a goalscoring opportunity.

Frustrating either way!

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of @fotosynde:

What was Tsimi saying to Mo here? pic.twitter.com/kqpWvEvPWY

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) April 18, 2024

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Alisson Becker had to be reminded of his position during Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Atalanta.

Ian Doyle posted on X (formerly Twitter) during the tie in Bergamo, spotting Jurgen Klopp telling off his No.1 for staying too far away from goal.

Alisson that far out of his goal that he's in the centre-circle as he makes a pass forward. Can't help but think that isn't in the gameplan this evening – gets a quick reminder from Klopp that he's a goalkeeper… which is just as well as he has to save at feet of Miranchuk

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) April 18, 2024

The Merseysiders lead 1-0 at the Gewiss Stadium, courtesy of Mo Salah’s penalty opener, as things currently stand.

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READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano just dropped Jamal Musiala news amid serious Liverpool interest

READ MORE: ‘Final negotiations’: Next Liverpool manager closing in on Anfield move; agent bought apartment

Alisson’s return a huge boost

Caoimhin Kelleher’s contributions in this period shouldn’t be forgotten. The Republic of Ireland international played a key part in ensuring we made it to this stage in the knockouts.

That said, it simply can’t be argued that Alisson is a class above most ‘keepers in world football. His return to the first-XI, first slotting back in against Crystal Palace, could prove to be the difference between additional silverware and Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour having the wind knocked out of its sails.

Now then… just the small matter of one of the potentially great comebacks in Europe we need to progress to the semi-finals.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Alisson Becker is playing just his second match tonight since returning from a hamstring injury which sidelined him for two months, but Liverpool fans certainly don’t have to worry about the goalkeeper being rusty.

Shortly after the Reds took an early lead against Atalanta through a Mo Salah penalty, pulling back one of the three goals they require to cancel out the first-leg deficit, they were almost caught out at the other end.

After Gianluca Scamacca flicked the ball on to Teun Koopmeiners, the Dutchman put in a low cross towards the edge of the six-yard box. His compatriot Virgil van Dijk got a leg to it but looked like he was about to turn it into his own net until the Brazilian stopper somehow adjusted his footing and got back to claw it away from danger.

The offside flag then went up for an infringement earlier in the move, but Alisson wasn’t to know that when he miraculously reacted to stave off a real scare for Liverpool. That’s why he’s the best goalkeeper in the world, bar none!

You can view Alisson’s stupendous save below, taken from beIN SPORTS’ match coverage and shared via @AlmedaDufo75613 on X:

تابع الحساب الاساسي :@iT7HD pic.twitter.com/cL6bh9j7LR

— ليالي الابطال (@AlmedaDufo75613) April 18, 2024

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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that multiple top outfits are keeping a close eye on Jamal Musiala ahead of the summer.

The talented Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has been linked with English outfits like Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.

“For Jamal Musiala, guys, we are back there with many rumours – in this case coming from England,” the Italian spoke on his YouTube channel.

“If you remember, it was in October/November we heard strong rumours about Liverpool and I told you guys always the same position as I tell you today, we heard rumours now about Manchester City, about Chelsea… the reality is that all the top clubs in the world, even from Spain, love Jamal Musiala.

“But this is very easy, very normal. Many top clubs are following, appreciating, monitoring one of the best players in the world in Jamal Musiala.

“Manchester City are big fans of the player, but it’s the same for Chelsea, same for the clubs in Spain, same for people in Liverpool. Many top clubs following the situation of Musiala because he’s a special talent and he’s out of contract in 2026.”

The Bavarian outfit is understood to be particularly keen to keep hold of the 21-year-old, of course, with talks set to take place over his future in the coming months.

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READ MORE: ‘Final negotiations’: Next Liverpool manager closing in on Anfield move; agent bought apartment

READ MORE: ‘I’m told’: Fabrizio Romano now reacts to reports Liverpool are scouting £51.4m centre-half

What do the stats say about Jamal Musiala?

What on earth don’t they say?

Compared to fellow attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe, the former Chelsea academy star is ranking as one hell of a young talent.

Musiala ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons, is reliable in his passing game (ranking in the 95th percentile) and contributes with a significant goal threat (89th percentile for non-penalty xG), according to FBref.

Don’t get us wrong – there’s plenty there left to develop, but my word what a footballer you’d be getting if Bayern were forced into selling.

Not that we can see that situation coming to light without the player and his entourage forcing a move.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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You could forgive Liverpool’s lineup for experiencing deja vu after Jurgen Klopp encouraged his Liverpool side to give their all in Bergamo and to ‘fail beautifully’ if they must fail at all.

It was a similar rallying call issued to the squad ahead of a fateful return leg in the Champions League against Barcelona back in 2019.

Winning will, arguably, be an even harder outcome to achieve coming up against Atalanta’s likely raucous home ground.

Yet, try Klopp’s men must to keep alive any hopes of a treble-winning campaign.

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READ MORE: ‘Final negotiations’: Next Liverpool manager closing in on Anfield move; agent bought apartment

READ MORE: ‘I’m told’: Fabrizio Romano now reacts to reports Liverpool are scouting £51.4m centre-half

Liverpool team news vs Atalanta

Alisson Becker is the man handed the task of patrolling between the goalposts in Italy.

The Brazilian international will be protected by a centre-back partnership consisting of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

The midfield selection will see Alexis Mac Allister joined on the pitch by Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah are the men entrusted with leading the line ahead of our impending encounter in Bergamo.

Give em’ hell, lads.

You can catch the full team news below, courtesy of @LFC:

How we line up to take on Atalanta #UEL

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 18, 2024

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Ruben Amorim appears to be closing in on a move to Liverpool Football Club, according to one update from Pedro Sepulveda.

The journalist shared the news in question on X (formerly Twitter), announcing that the ex-Braga boss’ agent has ‘bought an apartment in Liverpool’.

This comes at a time when the Reds and the 39-year-old are finalising negotiations over a proposed switch to L4 this summer.

Rúben Amorim's agent bought an apartment in Liverpool. One of his employee will live there permanently.

They've Diaz in @LFC.

@LFC and Amorim are in final negotiations regarding the coach's contract.

@SportingCP doesn't have any name to replace Amorim, yet. pic.twitter.com/ZnqezzqvEe

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) April 18, 2024

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READ MORE: ‘I’m told’: Fabrizio Romano now reacts to reports Liverpool are scouting £51.4m centre-half

READ MORE: ‘Not too surprised’: Fabrizio Romano drops intriguing morning Liverpool manager news

Ruben Amorim: Jurgen Klopp’s official successor?

Boy, oh boy, that sounds scary to write, let alone say out loud!

Nothing’s official yet, of course, as things currently stand, with both the club and patch journalists awfully quiet when it comes to reported talks with Amorim – understandably so!

If we’re to take Sepulveda’s latest report with anything other than a pinch of salt, however, it’s encouraging to see witness some serious movement on this front.

We know patience is going to be the name of the game with any candidate who steps in after Klopp.

But how reassuring would it be to know that one of the top options available will potentially take over?

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano has noted it’s difficult to determine who Liverpool are specifically scouting over in Frankfurt.

The Merseysiders dispatched scouts to monitor the situation over in Hesse. £42.8-51.4m valued defender Willian Pacho is thought to be a potential subject of interest for English top-flight sides.

The Metro reported that the Reds and Arsenal have made inquiries over the centre-half’s future.

“I spoke yesterday about how they have been monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt, but it’s not really about specific players. It’s normal for top clubs like this to send their scouts to monitor entire teams, but it’s too early to report on anything more than that,” the CaughtOffside columnist wrote in his Daily Briefing.

“So, although there have also been stories about Liverpool enquiring about Eintracht’s talented Ecuador defender Willian Pacho, along with Arsenal, I have no concrete updates about specific clubs.

“It’s true that Pacho has a price tag of around €50-60m and it looks like an open race for his signature this summer. I’m told nothing is at concrete or advanced stages with English clubs.”

Jurgen Klopp’s men are understood to be keen on the idea of bolstering their backline this summer. This will sharpen into focus should the German’s replacement opt for a back-three formation.

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READ MORE: ‘Not too surprised’: Fabrizio Romano drops intriguing morning Liverpool manager news

READ MORE: ‘Conversations took place’: Fabrizio Romano drops concerning morning next Liverpool manager update

What do the stats say about Pacho?

The 22-year-old centre-half is, it’s worth noting from the off, a left-sided option in the backline.

It’s something we very much crave given the lack of cover for Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool back four.

The Ecuadorian boasts some pretty impressive defensive metrics for Frankfurt, registering in the 80s of percentiles for tackles, interceptions, blocks and clearances, according to FBref.

One major point of concern we have is Pacho’s passing ability, with his average pass completion rate per 90 of 84.4% putting him in the 39th percentile amongst his positional peers in Europe.

Van Dijk, by contrast, is in the 92nd percentile for pass completion (91.8% per 90).

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Gian Piero Gasperini is currently not in the running for the Liverpool manager’s job.

The 66-year-old earned surprise links following Atalanta’s impressive 3-0 win over the Reds in the Europa League.

“Gian Piero Gasperini will have raised some eyebrows yesterday when he addressed rumours about him being in contention for the Liverpool job. He spoke at his press conference ahead of the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final with the Reds, saying: ‘Of course I am happy with links to Liverpool job to replace Klopp but my focus is on the game’,” the Guardian reporter told CaughtOffside.

“For sure, Gasperini has done a fantastic job at Atalanta in recent times so I’m not too surprised that, after beating Liverpool in such a convincing way with that 3-0 win at Anfield last week, there is some media speculation about him possibly replacing Klopp, but there’s nothing more to it than that.

“I can say that there’s nothing at all between Gasperini and Liverpool from what I know. I think these are links just generated by Atalanta’s super game vs Liverpool at Anfield, that’s it. As for other clubs, again there will always be links, but for now I see him staying at Atalanta.”

The Merseysiders face the Serie A outfit in Bergamo tonight, with a reaction required after a dismal 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

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READ MORE: ‘Conversations took place’: Fabrizio Romano drops concerning morning next Liverpool manager update

READ MORE: Strong theory now emerging about Xabi Alonso following Liverpool manager snub

The contenders for the Liverpool job

As things currently stand, Ruben Amorim appears to remain the frontrunner to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool post.

Whilst Gasperini’s set-up in Merseyside most certainly deserves plaudits, we’d be surprised if the Italian entered Richard Hughes’ considerations based on one result.

Far more likely are the options of Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann. However, that is, of course, only an eventuality should the former Braga coach remain in Lisbon.

In the meantime, we’d be surprised if Gasperini’s performances didn’t bring him into consideration at other top outfits.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed once again that Bayern Munich have pinned down Julian Nagelsmann as the frontrunner to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer.

This comes amid some links to the soon-to-be-vacant Liverpool manager role, with Jurgen Klopp calling time on an illustrious career at Anfield.

“I want to confirm once again that Julian Nagelsmann is the frontrunner for the Bayern Munich job, ahead of Roberto de Zerbi and Ralf Rangnick, who are two alternatives. What will be important now, in the next few days, will be for Bayern to understand what will happen between Nagelsmann and the German national team,” the CaughtOffside columnist wrote in his exclusive Daily Briefing.

“My understanding is that the German federation want to keep Nagelsmann until 2026, and they have already prepared a new contract proposal for him. They want him to commit to the national team. Nagelsmann himself wants to decide his future before the Euros this summer, and he knows now that Bayern’s interest is strong and concrete.

“Bayern have an idea of what they want their project to be with Nagelsmann, and now it’s about entering into the crucial stages of the conversation. Conversations took place with his agents in recent weeks, he’s the big favourite for the job.”

The German tactician will enjoy a well-deserved sabbatical after a nine-year stint that will have at least delivered one league title and a Champions League trophy back into the Reds’ hands.

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READ MORE: Strong theory now emerging about Xabi Alonso following Liverpool manager snub

READ MORE: ‘We’re hearing’: Fabrizio Romano weighs in on Unai Emery links to Liverpool

Ruben Amorim in the lead to replace Jurgen Klopp?

Despite Ruben Amorim’s concerning comments to the press, it very much appears as if he’s leading the race to replace Jurgen Klopp.

The Portuguese head coach has rightly won plaudits for his style of football and transforming Sporting Lisbon into a regular competitor for the league title in the Primeira Liga.

Should, God forbid, the former Benfica star opt to continue his cycle in Portugal, of course, that leaves Liverpool with one hell of a problem to tackle.

Even more so if another promising candidate in Nagelsmann is snapped up by Bayern Munich this summer.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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It wasn’t meant to be for Liverpool and beloved former midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The ex-Spanish international footballer opted to stay put with Bayer Leverkusen after the Reds came calling looking for a Jurgen Klopp successor.

Fabrizio Romano has since pointed to the 42-year-old’s ‘really special’ link to Real Madrid as one of several indications that he’ll one day be reunited with Los Blancos.

“Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has been very clear, telling the Spanish press that he 100% expects Xabi Alonso to become Real Madrid manager one day. Carro was very strong in his statement, saying he has no doubts that Alonso will be Real Madrid manager in the future,” the Italian journalist informed CaughtOffside.

“Carro knows that Alonso is super attracted to a future with Real Madrid – this is the reality, as Alonso still loves all his former clubs, such as Bayern and Liverpool, but the feeling with Real Madrid, as a Spanish guy, is really special.

“You might also remember that when I told you about Alonso rejecting Bayern and Liverpool to stay at Leverkusen this summer, I told you that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a big fan of Alonso – this is an important point. Perez is a big fan of Alonso as a person, and as a manager. He also believes he has the perfect style for Real Madrid and that his skills as a coach are fantastic.

“Perez is a super big fan of Alonso and this is why the feeling is that one day he will become Real Madrid manager.”

Leverkusen have since been crowned Bundesliga champions following a 5-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen.

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READ MORE: ‘We’re hearing’: Fabrizio Romano weighs in on Unai Emery links to Liverpool

READ MORE: Journalist hearing Liverpool about to move to ‘next stage of talks’ with managerial candidate

Will Xabi Alonso manage Liverpool one day?

It’s looking increasingly likely that Real Madrid will be the first of the former outfits to benefit from Alonso’s skillset.

Whether the opportunity then later arises to take over Liverpool is difficult to determine and dependent entirely on the success of Jurgen Klopp’s successor. Potentially even the man after that!

If it all works out with Amorim, should the Portuguese head coach say ‘yes’ to the role, of course, the heartbreak will be quickly forgotten.

Dean Jones’ latest update on the matter at least suggests talks could progress quickly.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Unai Emery’s impressive job at Aston Villa is understandably earning him both plaudits and links to bigger jobs in football.

Not many jobs come bigger than Liverpool Football Club ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure this summer.

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed, however, that the Spaniard remains fully focused on the task at hand with the Villans.

“We’re hearing a lot at the moment about some fantastic managers who could be on the move this summer as big clubs like Liverpool, Bayern and Barcelona could be looking for new head coaches, but one name we’re not hearing much about is Unai Emery,” the CaughtOffside columnist shared in his Daily Briefing.

“Emery has done a hugely impressive job at Aston Villa, and I’m aware some media pundits have been discussing and debating if he should be someone Liverpool are looking at to replace Jurgen Klopp. So why aren’t we seeing Emery linked with some of the top jobs available this summer?

“My understanding is that this is because Emery is fully focused on Aston Villa. Emery with Monchi, Damian Vidagany, are all together focusing on Villa’s European campaign this season and of course on a Champions League spot for next season. Nothing is concrete at this stage with other jobs; there’s interest for sure in Emery but he’s focusing on Villa now.”

The 52-year-old is on course to potentially deliver Villa fans their first piece of silverware since 1996.

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READ MORE: Journalist hearing Liverpool about to move to ‘next stage of talks’ with managerial candidate

READ MORE: What Bellingham is now saying about pre-Real Madrid ‘conversations’; likely with Liverpool

Unai Emery shouldn’t be the next Liverpool manager

First and foremost, let us say that we’re appreciative of Emery’s talents as a coach and what he’s accomplished thus far in the West Midlands.

That said, the jump up to the impending vacancy at Anfield is a pretty steep one for any manager.

Let us put it this way: We’d have been taking a gamble on Xabi Alonso and the same applies for Liverpool-linked Ruben Amorim.

It’s absolutely no slight on Unai Emery but we don’t think he’d be the right fit for the job.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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