Liverpool face battle to keep Klopp as European giant circles

After an injury-hit season to forget last term, Liverpool look to be back to their best at the start of the new campaign.

Jurgen Klopp’s side currently sit top of the Premier League table, and also top their Champions League group having beaten both AC Milan and Porto.

Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota have all been in good goalscoring form for the Reds, while Virgil van Dijk’s return to the backline has also had a significant impact.

Despite Liverpool’s good form, it appears that the Premier League giants could face a battle to keep hold of their manager.

According to The Mirror, The German is being lined up as a potential successor to Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman, if the Catalan giants decide to part ways with the Dutchman.

The La Liga side have struggled to deal with the departure of Lionel Messi over the summer, and currently sit sixth in the table.

Koeman is under intense pressure following his side’s poor start to the season

The situation is made worse by their underwhelming performance in the Champions League, where they have lost both of their first two matches and remain the only side in the competition not to score a goal.

According to the report, Barcelona president Joan Laporta regards Klopp as his ‘dream’ appointment.

The German, however, is believed to be open to the prospect of extending his current deal at Anfield, which runs until 2024.

Barcelona’s desire to hire Klopp may prove difficult, however, as the former Borussia Dortmund manager has previously spoken of his intention to take a year off when he leaves Liverpool.

“When the contract in Liverpool ends, whatever it will be, I first have to find out what it’s like to lead a ‘normal’ life again. A year off, I’ve never had that,” the 54-year-old told RTL.