Nasir Jabbar
Liverpool have reportedly sounded out a big-name manager amid growing speculation over Arne Slot's future.
Pressure is mounting on Slot, who oversaw his side's sixth league defeat of the season on Saturday.
Liverpool's latest setback came at the hands of Nottingham Forest, who ran out 3-0 winners at Anfield.
The Reds have just 18 points on the board after 12 games and find themselves in the bottom half of the table as their chances of defending their Premier League crown are almost certainly over.
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An update on Slot's future was issued following Liverpool's crushing defeat to Forest as Fabrizio Romano revealed what he knows about the manager's situation.
If Liverpool decide to pull the trigger and sack Slot, then they would have to fork out a huge fee given he is contracted until 2027.
A list of managers have emerged to replace Slot, with a fresh report claiming a new name has emerged on their radar.
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According to Bayern Space, who were the first to report on Florian Wirtz's move to Liverpool last summer, Richard Hughes has contacted Julian Nagelsmann's agent regarding his future availability.
Agent Volker Struth has a close relationship with Bayern Munich given Nagelsmann’s ongoing connections with the club.
Per the report, Bayern have been made aware that Liverpool reached out in recent days for exploratory talks.
The exchange has been described as 'loose' and 'precautionary', aimed at 'understanding Nagelsmann’s long-term intentions' should Liverpool relieve Slot of his duties.
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However, Liverpool sporting director Hughes has been assured the 38-year-old will not leave Germany before next summer's World Cup under any circumstance.
But depending on Germany's performance, an early exit from his contract is viewed as a possibility for a club of Liverpool's 'historic stature'.
What's more, Jurgen Klopp is believed to be 'guiding Liverpool towards securing Nagelsmann' and it is 'whispered' that he would be considered to replace his countryman at Germany.
If Nagelsmann replaced Slot at Liverpool, then he could resurrect the career of Wirtz, who has struggled to adapt to England's top flight following his £116 million move during the summer transfer window.
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Wirtz has failed to impress in a Liverpool shirt, having shone at Bayer Leverkusen last season.
But Nagelsmann, who manages the 22-year-old for the national team, could get the best out of him.
The German coach also defended Wirtz amid widespread criticism, claiming the star player has been let down by his Liverpool teammates.
"Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates," he said, when asked about Wirtz's showings this season. "They somehow don't like to shoot the ball."
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