Tough battle, Reds and Arsenal fight for the next Rodri of the Premier League

Liverpool remains on the lookout for a new manager and sporting director over what is set to be a critical summer for the club. Jürgen Klopp's announcement that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season coincided with Jörg Schmadtke departing after his deal ended.

If Xabi Alonso doesn't sign, Salah's surprise decision on his future at Anfield

A number of names have been tipped to replace Klopp at the helm, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso emerging as the leading candidate. His side extended its lead at the top of the Bundesliga to five points on Saturday by thrashing Bayern Munich. Alonso's stock is continuing to rise and Foot Mercato reported last week that Liverpool had made a move for its former Spanish midfielder, to return to Anfield as manager.

It remains to be seen when Liverpool will appoint a new sporting director. The eventual candidate will likely have a key role to play in any summer transfer business, regarding both incomings and outgoings. Liverpool has been handed a boost in its reported pursuit of Wolves winger Pedro Neto. The Portuguese international is enjoying another decent season in the Premier League after returning from an injury lay-off.

He has been on Arsenal's radar for some time and Football Insider reports that Liverpool is also a big fan of Neto and could make a move this summer. Wolves boss Gary O'Neil is reluctant to lose Neto but is braced for interest at the end of the season, with the 23-year-old valued at around $76m. It is reported that Wolves may be forced to sell one of its key players in order to strengthen other areas of the squad, with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules once again in the spotlight.

The star who is worth 117 million and has already said yes to Liverpool

A new possibility from Germany

Liverpool and title rivals Arsenal could be about to do battle again over talented Swedish midfielder Hugo Larsson. The 19-year-old only joined Eintracht Frankfurt for £7.7m in the summer but has already impressed in Germany. Liverpool and Arsenal have both been watching Larsson in recent weeks, according to Bild, although any deal is likely to be worth a lot more than the fee Frankfurt paid. It is suggested the Bundesliga side will demand closer to £26m for the midfielder, who has already been likened to Manchester City star Rodri. Frankfurt is currently in sixth in the table and through to the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League. Larsson will look to continue his development on the European stage.