Liverpool FC have reportedly interviewed Gary O’Neil as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp, with the German set to leave the club at the end of the year.

The report by DaveOKCP, claims that the Premier League side have spoken to O’Neil as a potential candidate. This comes as negotiations with Ruben Amorim, Sporting Lisbon’s current manager, have stalled according to various journalists including David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano. 

Gary O’Neil is currently manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, having taken charge of the side last summer. The 40-year-old has managed 40 games at his current club with 16 wins, eight draws and 16 defeats, stabilising a side that was struggling to compete. Prior to this, he took over from Scott Parker at Bournemouth, initially on a caretaker basis, however, the club opted to replace him with Andoni Irola despite impressing in the role. 

What Happened To Liverpool’s Pursuit Of Amorim?

For a period, it looked as though the deal was done, with numerous publications even running stories based on who his potential summer transfer targets could be. However, the manager was forced to come out and deny that a deal had been struck with the English giants. Then yesterday, it emerged that West Ham United were attempting an ambitious move for the manager as a replacement for David Moyes as negotiations with Liverpool had stalled. These talks also seem to have broken down with neither club close to appointing a successor. 

Klopp’s Last Season A Disappointment?

For a man who seemingly transformed Liverpool into a serious contender once again, his final season looks to be ending with a fizzle, rather than a bang. It perhaps demonstrates the heights he has taken the club in recent years that although he has picked up silverware, in the form of the Carabao Cup, many see this season as a disappointment. Dumped out of Europe by Atalanta and gave up the lead in extra time to a poor Manchester United side in the FA Cup although they are still in the title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City. This team, however, doesn’t feel like the vibrant, unstoppable machine of previous years and perhaps doesn’t represent Klopp’s Liverpool at its best.