Liverpool are in advanced discussions with Andoni Iraola over the vacant head coach position at Anfield, with the 43-year-old Spaniard the clear frontrunner for the role following the dismissal of Arne Slot on Saturday.

Slot was sacked just one year after guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title, with the club seeking a manager capable of delivering a more direct, aggressive style of play.

The process is being led by sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked with Iraola during his tenure at Bournemouth. Iraola left the south coast club at the end of the season and is available without compensation.

No formal approaches have yet been made regarding Iraola's potential backroom staff, but the Spaniard is keen to bring Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick with him to Anfield. Elphick has not yet been contacted by Liverpool but would welcome the opportunity should it arise.

Elphick, a former Bournemouth center-back and lifelong Liverpool supporter, turned down the chance to become Bristol City manager last week in order to keep his options open.

Liverpool are eager to complete the appointment as quickly as possible, giving their new head coach the maximum time available to prepare for next season.