Liverpool news: Arne Slot sack odds change and new favourite clear as target sends FSG plea

A new favourite has emerged in the bid to become Liverpool’s next manager after Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso, as the pressure grows on Arne Slot

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is battling to secure his future at Anfield, with his fate potentially resting on whether he can guide the Reds to Champions League qualification next season.

The Reds currently hold a four-point advantage over Bournemouth, who have a game in hand. Brighton could also force their Champions League qualification to the final day of the season, with the Seagulls moving just three points behind Liverpool with a superior goal difference if they beat Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.

However, Liverpool face a host of other issues to address this summer, with several areas of the squad in need of bolstering. While a new favourite has emerged in the race to replace Slot after Xabi Alonso was announced as the new Chelsea manager. Here, the Daily Star Sport delves into all the latest Liverpool news and gossip.

Slot under pressure

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Liverpool gaffer Slot could be in hot water as his odds to be the next Premier League manager given the boot have plummeted to 2/1 – making him the clear front-runner, ahead of Newcastle’s Eddie Howe.

The Reds’ 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Friday night has left them teetering on the brink of missing out on Champions League football next term. Should Liverpool fail to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League, Slot’s position may become untenable.

Xabi Alonso was the bookies’ favourite to step into Slot’s shoes; however, the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss is now off the market after Chelsea announced the Spaniard would be their next permanent manager.

Following the news, PSG boss Luis Enrique is now the bookies’ favourite to be named the next Liverpool manager ahead of Andoni Iraola, who is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.

FSG receive direct message

Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt has directly addressed the reported interest from Liverpool in securing his services. Sporting director Richard Hughes is believed to have been keeping an increasingly close eye on the Danish international in recent weeks, along with several Premier League rivals.

When quizzed about Liverpool’s interest, Froholdt responded: “I am happy to see people following me and to know the fans appreciate my work. I focus on the feedback I receive from the coaches, from the team and on the things I can do on the pitch.

“Now I keep everything else away from where I am, because I am here playing for FC Porto and I am not focused on anything else.”

However, Froholdt left the door slightly open with a cryptic message to Hughes, stating: “Obviously I have dreams. I love playing here at FC Porto, but I also dream of playing for some of the best clubs in the world.”