Liverpool plot surprise move for manager linked with Manchester United - Reports
According to DAVE OCKOP, Liverpool have interviewed Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O'Neil. It is worth noting that ESPN previously reported that Manchester United also want O'Neil at Old Trafford in the next season.
O'Neil has done an admirable job at Wolves, keeping the club in 11th place this season when many thought that they would fight relegation. He has previously earned plaudits for his work at Bournemouth as well.
He was appointed as the interim manager after Scott Parker was sacked. While many thought the Bees were going to be relegated, O'Neil helped them stay up. However, he was surprisingly replaced by Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continue their hunt for a new manager as Jurgen Klopp is set to leave the club at the end of the 2023-24 season. Xabi Alonso, their primary target, has announced that he will be staying at Leverkusen. Another top target, Ruben Amorim, has been linked with West Ham United.
According to the aforementioned source, the Reds have held an initial interview with O'Neil for the job.
Gary O'Neil has previously worked as the assistant manager of the Merseysiders' under-23 side. He is familiar with Michael Edwards, who was the team's sporting director when O'Neil worked for the Anfield club's youth ranks in 2020. O'Neil also has worked with Richard Hughes, who was previously the first team's technician director and has recently been reappointed as the club's new sporting director.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are also in a tumultuous situation. Erik ten Hag's future looks uncertain and Gareth Southgate has been linked with taking over at Old Trafford. O'Neil is also on the Red Devils' radar, as ESPN reported.
Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho ruled out of Liverpool's shortlist
Jose Mourinho created a fuss among fans when he attended Liverpool's Premier League away game against Fulham on Sunday, April 21. The Reds won the game 3-1.
Several fans suggested that the Portuguese manager, currently without a job, is on the Reds' radar to succeed Klopp at Anfield. The Telegraph's Sam Wallace, however, has ruled out the chances.
According to Wallace, Mourinho's previous connections with Manchester United rule him out of contention. Mourinho last coached AS Roma in the Serie A.