Liverpool are in advanced talks with Andoni Iraola over their vacant head coach position, following the sacking of Arne Slot at the weekend.

Iraola, 43, departed Bournemouth at the close of the season and has emerged as the clear frontrunner to take charge at Anfield. The club are eager to complete an appointment as soon as possible and are targeting a manager whose approach aligns with their preference for direct, aggressive, front-foot football.

Elphick connection adds intrigue

While no formal contact has been made with Iraola's potential backroom staff, the Spanish coach is understood to favour bringing Tommy Elphick — his assistant at Bournemouth and a lifelong Liverpool fan — with him to Merseyside. BBC Sport understands Elphick has not yet heard from the club but would welcome the chance to join.

The search is being overseen by Richard Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director, who shares a working history with Iraola from their time together at Bournemouth.

Slot dismissed after title-winning season

Liverpool dismissed Slot on Saturday, a decision that stunned many across the football world. The Dutchman had only been in the job for a single season — yet in that time he led the club to the Premier League title.

With such a significant void to fill, Liverpool are moving with purpose and urgency to secure a successor they believe can sustain that level of success at the top of the English game.