Liverpool’s next manager? Thiago Motta’s agent labels Reds role ‘interesting’ as his suitors line up following impressive work with Bologna

Liverpool have been searching for a successor for Klopp ever since he revealed he would leave at the end of this season. With top target Xabi Alonso staying put at Bayer Leverkusen, speculation is mounting over who should replace the German at Anfield. Now Motta's agent, Alessandro Canovi, has admitted "interesting" offers could come to pass in the coming weeks.

Speaking to TMW Radio, Canovi said: "The situation of the big names? The confirmation of Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen has opened up several important candidatures for Liverpool and Bayern Munich. And there’s Barcelona. They are three interesting and very coveted benches right now."

He added: "At the moment the only fact is that Motta has an expiring contract with Bologna. Will he stay at Bologna? I can’t say, because I have no negotiations with anyone. You can’t talk about things that aren’t in place."

The 41-year-old, who is best known for spells at Barcelona, Inter, and Paris Saint-Germain as a player, has impressed as Bologna boss since taking up the head coach role in September 2022. The former midfielder led the Serie A outfit to a ninth-placed finish last season and they sit fourth this term. That has led to transfer links to Manchester United but whether that is enough to land him the Liverpool job remains to be seen.

While the search for Klopp's successor goes on, his Liverpool side host relegation-threatened Sheffield United on Thursday evening in the Premier League, whereas Motta's Bologna are away to lowly Frosinone in Serie A action on Sunday.