Liverpool 'have looked at' Roberto De Zerbi in the past

Liverpool have looked at Roberto De Zerbi in the past and liked what they saw. The Brighton boss is a favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp.

Melissa Reddy claims Liverpool have previously looked at Roberto De Zerbi as a potential new manager. This comes as the Italian becomes one of the favourites to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Klopp announced on Friday that he will step down as boss at the end of the season, leaving an enormous void at the club. De Zerbi could well be the man Liverpool choose to replace him, with his efforts at Brighton generating an impressive reputation.

And the Reds apparently know him well. Reddy says Liverpool have looked into De Zerbi previously - and liked what they saw.

"Liverpool have looked at De Zerbi in the past, when he worked in Italy," she told Sky Sports. "They know tactically and technically he is an excellent manager.

"He has the ability to galvanise a dressing room. The Brighton players love playing for him."

Of course, the first question is 'why on earth were Liverpool looking at De Zerbi?'. He wasn't a top-flight manager the last time there was a vacancy, so an appointment wasn't ever a real possibility.

It's likely, then, that it came back before Jurgen Klopp signed his last contract at Anfield. There was a little doubt over whether he'd sign it and Liverpool would have certainly looked at potential replacements just in case he left.

But it also just makes sense to keep an eye on what's out there, even if your manager is as secure as Klopp. Football is a crazy business and one where seemingly impossible things do happen.

You never know in football and perhaps Klopp changed his mind and wanted the Germany job? Perhaps he decided he was burnt out early? Liverpool needed to have all bases covered.

So with a bit of homework already done on De Zerbi, knowing if he's the right man for the job shouldn't be a particularly drawn out process. We'll see at the end of the season what the Reds decide.