LONDON – Liverpool have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Andoni Iraola to take over as manager, as the former Bournemouth boss looks set to take the hot seat following Arne Slot’s departure.

The Spaniard left the Cherries at the end of the season and has been clear favourite for the role at Anfield.

According to The Athletic, and also reported by the BBC, Iraola will sign a two-year deal.

The 43-year-old has often preferred short-term deals, as seen throughout his coaching career at AEK Larnaca, Mirandes, Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth.

A formal announcement from the Reds is expected this week.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was heavily involved in hiring Iraola during his time at Bournemouth and is again spearheading the recruitment of the highly rated coach.

The Reds are believed to be keen to wrap up a deal with Iraola before the start of the World Cup next week, which would allow him a lengthy acclimatisation period before pre-season training.

Slot was sacked last weekend after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

The Dutchman had led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, but his follow-up campaign quickly turned into a nightmare.

The death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota last year had a huge impact at Anfield, while the club’s £450 million spending spree on new signings also failed to pay off.

Slot’s relationship with star forward Mohamed Salah also deteriorated, while Liverpool fans turned on the former Feyenoord manager due to his team’s lifeless performances and poor results.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Iraola is in line with the club’s desire to move back towards the aggressive, attacking style used by Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

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