Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp linked with chance to lead Germany to 2026 World Cup - Paper Round

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the German national team job should it come available in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.

Julian Nagelsmann is far from certain to be in the post in a couple of years time, according to the Daily Star.

“Jurgen Klopp has a clear run at a new gig post-Liverpool, with Germany potentially eyeing him up for the national team boss role after Euro 2024,” the paper writes.

“That's because Rudi Voller's just penned a deal to stay on as the German FA's bigwig until the 2026 World Cup. Voller has been singing Klopp's praises for years, and back in 2020 he claimed it's only a matter of time before Klopp heads back to his homeland to take the reins. Voller said at the time: 'I do believe that Jogi Low can still do it for a while, but at some point it will be Jurgen Klopp.'

“Current head coach Julian Nagelsmann is gearing up to lead Germany through this summer's Euros, but the former Bayern Munich boss' eyes might be set on a club comeback after that.

“Klopp is looking forward to a sabbatical once he leaves his post at Liverpool this summer. However, the prospect of leading Germany in their 2026 World Cup campaign could be an enticing one, especially with Voller involved.”

The Evening Standard reports that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been in contact with Ajax about taking over at the club.

Potter has been without a job since he was sacked by Chelsea last year and has been linked with a number of vacancies.

The Evening Standard writes: “Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has held talks with Ajax over a return to management with the struggling Dutch giants.

“Potter has been out of a job since he was sacked by Chelsea in April last year after a difficult seven-month spell at Stamford Bridge.

“The 48-year-old is ready to return to work and Ajax have identified him as a candidate to take over at the end of the season, when interim boss John van 't Schip will step down.

“Potter has held talks with senior officials at the Johan Cruyff Arena but it remains to be seen whether he would accept an offer from Ajax given the club is in turmoil.”

The Sun believes that Kalvin Phillips might be given the chance to return to Leeds.

The Manchester City midfielder struggled under Pep Guardiola and has failed to impress on loan at West Ham.

The paper explains: “The 28-year-old left Elland Road to join Manchester City in a £45 million transfer two years ago.

“However, he struggled to establish his spot in Pep Guardiola's starting line-up and has since made just 31 appearances across all competitions.

“Phillips is currently enduring a nightmare loan spell at West Ham.

“The midfielder was heckled by fans following the club's 4-3 defeat to Newcastle after giving away a penalty.

“And he also lost his spot in the England squad, being replaced by Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo.

“The Whites recently made contact with Man City regarding a possible transfer.

“City are allegedly willing to accept £25 million for Phillips.”

Liverpool are keen on a number of central defensive options, including Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.

However, the Express newspaper believes Piero Hincapie, Edmond Tapsoba and Goncalo Inacio are also options.

The paper reports: “Liverpool have been tipped to improve their defensive ranks in the summer and have been linked with a number of high-profile names. The likes of Piero Hincapie, Edmond Tapsoba and Goncalo Inacio are said to be admired by the Reds but would all command significant transfer fees.

“Tosin, meanwhile, could be an attractive option for Liverpool given the money they would save by bringing him to Anfield. A move for his signature would allow the Merseyside giants to spend more heavily in other departments as they prepare for life without Jurgen Klopp in the dugout.

“The Fulham defender is reportedly set to be offered a bumper new deal at Craven Cottage in a last-ditch attempt to keep him at the club. However, it remains to be seen if he will be prepared to accept it after offering a coy response when quizzed on where he will be playing next season.”

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