Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas have supposedly emerged as the latest contenders to take on one of Liverpool's departing assistants as their new manager.
As well as bidding an emotional farewell to Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool will also part ways with the German's coaching team when the 2023-24 campaign draws to a close.
Among the members of Klopp's backroom staff is assistant head coach Pep Lijnders, who has been the 56-year-old's right-hand man ever since the manager took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015.
Lijnders was already in the Liverpool dugout for the closing stages of Rodgers's reign, having joined ahead of the 2015-16 campaign, although he briefly departed in 2018 to take charge of NEC in his homeland.
After spending the second half of the 2017-18 season managing in the second tier of Dutch football, Lijnders returned to Liverpool, where he has manned the touchline in Klopp's infrequent absences.
The 41-year-old has also held EFL Cup press conferences since coming back to the Reds dugout, warming him up for a future career as a head coach when he severs ties with the Reds.
Lijnders keeping options open ahead of Liverpool exit
© Reuters
Lijnders was naturally tipped to stay on at Liverpool and become Klopp's successor in the manager's hotseat, but the Dutchman quickly shot down suggestions that he could remain on Merseyside.
According to The Athletic, Besiktas are the latest side to show an interest in hiring Lijnders, having sacked former Portugal boss Fernando Santos earlier this month after just 16 games in charge.
Lijnders is apparently rated incredibly highly by the Turkish outfit, who may have to rival Eredivisie titans Ajax - set to part ways with John van 't Schip - for the Dutchman's services.
However, Lijnders is not expected to make a decision on his future until the 2023-24 season is over, and the former NEC manager is still keeping his options open at this moment in time.
The Dutchman and Liverpool are still pursuing Premier League and Europa League glory this season, although a miracle is required to overturn a 3-0 quarter-final deficit versus Atalanta BC in the latter competition.
Two points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table and below Arsenal on goal difference, the Reds return to top-flight duty with a trip to Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
Ben Knapton
