Virgil van Dijk becomes first Liverpool player to speak about Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp as manager

Virgil van Dijk has become the first Liverpool player to react to reports linking Arne Slot with a stunning move to Anfield.

Slot has reportedly become Liverpool's top managerial candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.

The club have opened talks with the Feyenoord boss over taking charge of the Premier League side for the 2024/25 campaign.

Slot's fellow countryman Van Dijk has given his seal of approval to the potential appointment, having showered him with glowing praise.

Speaking after his side's crushing 2-0 defeat to Everton, the Liverpool captain said: "I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment.

"With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach. But I read and hear that it is far from complete. We shall see. We will focus on that next season, but that is still a long way off."

Arne Slot on the touchline during a Feyenoord match. Image: Getty

Slot has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Klopp after seemingly failing in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso and Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim.

The 45-year-old Dutch gaffer began his managerial career at Cambuur before moving to AZ Alkmaar.

He was appointed Feyenoord manager in July 2021 and helped them win the Dutch league title in the 2022/23 season.

On Wednesday, the Eredivisie giants rejected Liverpool's opening offer worth around £7.7 million including bonuses.

The Merseyside outfit tabled an initial £6 million up front with a further £1.7 million in performance-related bonuses, but Feyenoord are thought to be holding out for a total package of £8.5 million.

Klopp will bring an end to his legendary Liverpool spell at the end of the season, having announced his shock decision in January.