Jamie Carragher concerned Arne Slot faces 'huge jump' from Feyenoord to Liverpool as he suggests Dutchman isn't 'top manager'

Slot has emerged as the new favourite to succeed Klopp when he steps down from his role as manager at the end of the season. The Reds are already in contract talks with the Feyenoord boss and hope to strike a deal with the 45-year-old after switching attention from Sporting's Ruben Amorim.

Slot has attracted Liverpool's attention for his work with Feyenoord, whom he guided to the title in 2022-23. The coach has also secured the KNVB Cup this season and has his team second in the Eredivisie. Liverpool are also believed to be admirers of Slot's preference to play attacking football and his ability to develop players. However, the Reds have been warned by Carragher that if Slot is appointed as Liverpool boss he may find it a big step up.

He said on Sky Sports: "I think from Feyenoord to Liverpool is a huge jump. I think it shows at this moment that there's probably a dearth of real top managers out there when you look at who Liverpool were going for. So initially probably Xabi Alonso, who is in his first full season as a manager. There was talk of Amorim from Sporting, again he's 38, and now Slot looks like he's the favourite right now.

"I don't think it's like Rafa Benitez coming in off two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup or Klopp coming in after winning titles with Dortmund and getting to the Champions League final. Liverpool were actually in a different space then. That was a team, I was part of, we were a team trying to qualify for the top four.

"But Liverpool are in a different area now. They fancy themselves to challenge for the Premier League every season and next season's Champions League you'd expect to go to the quarter-finals at least.

"So I think it's a huge jump but he's obviously a great coach and has a great track record at the clubs he's had so far. We'll see."

Liverpool appear to now be closing in on a move for Slot ahead of Klopp's departure after the end of the season. The Dutchman does not have a release clause in his contract which means the Reds will have to agree a fee with Feyenoord.