- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Talks between Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton and Hove Albion over a new contract amid interest from Liverpool have not progressed in recent weeks, HITC understands.
Roberto De Zerbi is on Liverpool’s radar
HITC sources have confirmed that Roberto De Zerbi is under consideration for the summer vacancies at Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and while he is not the first choice for any of them, the 44-year-old is very much in contention.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already announced that he will step down at the end of the season. Xabi Alonso is on the radar of the Reds.
Xavi will leave Barcelona when the current campaign finishes, while Bayern Munich have announced that they will part ways with Thomas Tuchel in the summer of 2024.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with De Zerbi. In July 2023, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino described the Italian tactician as “a great coach”.
Contract talks with Brighton and Hove Albion not progressing
HITC understands that De Zerbi’s discussions with his club Brighton and Hove Albion have not progressed in recent weeks. The Italian is set to wait until the end of the season despite the club’s best efforts to try to accelerate talks.
As it stands, his current deal has a release clause, which HITC understands is in excess of £10 million.
When asked about his future at Brighton, De Zerbi said, as quoted in BBC Sport: “I have only Brighton in my head. I would like to finish the season in the best way with our young players – to compete and win as many games as we can.”
The Brighton manager added: “Yes, I have a contract. I have decided nothing. My focus is on Brighton – 100%.”
Brighton are seventh in the Premier League table at the moment with 39 points from 26 matches, while Liverpool, who could lose Mohamed Salah at the end of the season, are at the top of the standings with 60 points from 26 games.
The post Exclusive: ‘Great’ manager set to wait until the summer to make a decision amid Liverpool interest appeared first on HITC.
from HITC https://ift.tt/P6rf1ji
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