Liverpool have now opened talks with Feyenoord over a compensation deal for manager Arne Slot, who is leading candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp.

Slot has emerged as favourite to take over as Liverpool head coach at the end of the season, following interest in Xabi Alonso, Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi.

The story around the 45-year-old is moving fast, with it believed that Slot is open to the move and had scored highly in the club’s data-led research.

Now, widespread sources, including the Times‘ Paul Joyce, report that talks have begun with Feyenoord to agree compensation over the Dutchman’s proposed switch.

Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy explains that “sources in Holland indicate the process could move quickly,” with Slot “keen” to join.

It was previously reported that a fee of around £8.6 million would be enough to secure his services, which is unlikely to be a deterrent for Liverpool.

The Athletic‘s David Ornstein adds that the club have “prioritised discretion” towards Feyenoord, with reports of their interest not emerging until after the KNVB Cup final on Sunday – which the Rotterdam club won 1-0.

Ornstein claims that Liverpool will “continue to assess other candidates,” which could include Amorim and De Zerbi, but that appears highly unlikely at this stage.

All signs point to Slot being successor to Jurgen Klopp, which shows the club’s faith in the former PEC Zwolle midfielder.

Slot’s entire career, as a player and a coach, has been spent in the Netherlands, but there will be a belief that he is capable of stepping up to the Premier League.

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Liverpool have had an opening offer for Arne Slot rejected after making the Feyenoord head coach their preferred choice to succeed Jurgen Klopp.

The Anfield club’s pursuit of Slot did not emerge until earlier this week as they prioritised discretion and a desire to show Feyenoord respect before Sunday’s Dutch Cup final, which they won.

That approach is sure to be maintained as Liverpool enter negotiations with the 2023 Eredivisie champions and their highly-regarded CEO Dennis te Kloese with the club knocking back an opening offer of €9million (£7.7m, $9.6m).

Liverpool are also in contact with Slot, who is enthusiastic about the possibility of moving to Merseyside.

The club are conducting a thorough process and will continue to assess other candidates, although Slot is the focus of their attention at present having emerged as the leading contender.

Klopp announced in January he would be leaving the club at the end of the season after nine years.

Slot helped guide Feyenoord to just a second Eredivisie title in 20 years last season and has the side second in the table at present.

Liverpool started the head coach search back in November with Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football Michael Edwards and new sporting director Richard Hughes now leading the process.

Slot’s attacking style of play and track record of developing young talent match the criteria set out by the club with Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim among those also considered.

Slot, who turned down Tottenham Hotspur last year, has no release clause in his current contract that runs until 2026.

GO DEEPER

Arne Slot: A champion with Feyenoord and now a leading contender for Liverpool

(Maurice Van Steen/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

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Liverpool have made Arne Slot their preferred choice to succeed Jurgen Klopp when the manager leaves this summer and have opened talks with Feyenoord. The Anfield club’s pursuit of Slot did not emerge until earlier this week as they prioritised discretion and a desire to show Feyenoord respect...

Jürgen Klopp takes charge of his final Merseyside derby as Liverpool manager tonight, with Liverpool needing a win to keep pace with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. The Reds got back to winning ways by beating Fulham on Sunday.

Arsenal responded by thrashing Chelsea 5-0 and now sits three points clear, holding a better goal difference over Liverpool and Manchester City. It means the Reds cannot afford to drop points at Goodison Park.

Everton picked up a much-needed win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, albeit in controversial circumstances. Sean Dyche's side sit 16th in the Premier League table, five clear of the relegation zone.

READ MORE: Four players who should definitely start for Liverpool against Everton amid five injuries

READ MORE: Liverpool injury latest and return dates before Everton as Jürgen Klopp gives Diogo Jota update

Liverpool won the reverse fixture at Anfield back in October with Mohamed Salah scoring twice for the Reds. Klopp will be eager to continue his impressive derby record, having lost just one of 18 matches against Everton.

Here, Liverpool.com has picked out all of the information that you need to know, including the kick-off time, TV details, highlights and early team news ahead of the derby showdown.

What time is kick-off and is the match on TV?

The match kicks off at 8pm UK time. There is no early start for US supporters but you may have to try and sneak a glimpse at your phone while at work. Those fans on the East Coast have a 3pm start, with a midday kick-off for the West Coast.

Yes, the match is being shown live on TV. For viewers in the UK, the game can be seen on Sky Sports. US viewers will need to tune in to Peacock to watch the action from Goodison Park.

How else can I follow the game?

We believe that Liverpool.com is the best place to follow the match. Our dedicated team of writers will share their thoughts on social media during the course of the Merseyside derby. We will be with you right on the whistle with analysis, player ratings and much more.

Elsewhere, LFCTV offers pre-match build-up and then live blow-by-blow audio commentary. UK fans can also listen to the game on BBC Radio 5Live and talkSPORT.

Where can I catch the highlights?

We will be getting our first pieces out straight away after the final whistle, and then there's plenty more to come. All of the key talking points will be covered, alongside reaction from Liverpool players and Jürgen Klopp.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports will post a highlights package shortly after full-time. It will also be posting clips on social media throughout the match. You can catch the post-match press conferences on the Blood Red YouTube channel.

Early team news

Liverpool has been hit with an injury blow ahead of the clash, with Diogo Jota ruled out. The Portuguese scored on his return to the starting line-up after injury at Fulham but is set to be out for two weeks.

Conor Bradley remains sidelined with an ankle problem while young midfielder Stefan Bajčetić stepped up his rehab by featuring for the Under-21s this week. Thiago Alcântara and Joël Matip are out, with both out of contract at the end of the season.

Everton striker Beto will miss the derby after he was taken off on a stretcher against Nottingham Forest. He was taken to hospital for checks and the concussion protocol means he is not available. Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be fit but defenders Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson will not feature.

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Numerous Premier League referees in the Professional Game Match Officials Limited are not allowed to officiate Liverpool or Everton matches

Numerous Premier League referees in the Professional Game Match Officials Limited are not allowed to officiate Liverpool or Everton matches

With so much news breaking about the search for Liverpool’s new manager, we’ve put all you need to know in one place as the Reds eye up Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.

The Dutch 45-year-old, Slot, is now the reported frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager in the summer.

Xabi Alonso, Ruben Amorim and even Gary O’Neil were touted as coaches Liverpool were interested in. However, Slot is the new preferred choice according to the press.

The cost

Paul Joyce of the Times wrote that the Reds “have pinpointed” Slot as the “man they want to replace” Klopp, while a host of other reliable reporters have echoed that sentiment.

It is understood Tottenham were interested in the coach last summer, but complications, including Feyenoord’s compensatory fee, meant the move broke down.

The manager does not have a release clause in his contract, and Joyce reported: “It is thought a fee of less than €10 million euros (about £8.6 million) could be enough to prise him away.”

READ HERE: Who is Arne Slot? The new named linked as next Liverpool manager

Press conference cancelled

Further adding to the speculation that he could be on his way to Merseyside, is the fact that his Thursday press conference to preview Feyenoord’s next Eredivisie match has been cancelled.

While this could just be for a mundane logistical reason, there is likely an ulterior motive to the lack of pre-match preview before their match against Go Ahead Eagles.

Before Klopp announced his departure, This Is Anfield noticed his pre-Norwich FA Cup press conference wasn’t planned as usual, but most wrote this off as a simple scheduling quirk.

Slot’s assistant

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With Pep Lijnders and several of Klopp’s backroom staff leaving, there will be plenty of vacancies at Liverpool.

Journalist Dominic King wrote that Slot “would be prepared to bring his assistant Sipke Hulshoff with him to Liverpool if the move deal gets done.”

He added: “It is absolutely clear now Slot is preferred candidate at this stage.”

Slot actually lost his previous assistant coach earlier this season when Marino Pusic moved to Shakhtar Donetsk to become manager of the Ukrainian champions.

Since Hulshoff has taken the role, though, the positivity and form at Feyenoord has remained strong hasn’t been affected.

Report from the Netherlands

Dutch outlet 1908.nl reported that Arne is “so convinced that his agent Rafaela Pimenta is now sitting down with Liverpool to discuss the most important contract details.”

Liverpool already have an established relationship with Pimenta, who is also Ryan Gravenberch‘s agent. The same report even stated that an “exploratory search for housing” on Merseyside has already begun.

“The coach and his family have already started looking for accommodation in and around Liverpool. The intention is that, if a deal gets off the ground, the entire Slot family will move to England,” 1908 claimed.

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Arne Slot is the leading candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer and the Dutchman has been busy in the transfer market over the past 12 months

Arne Slot is the leading candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer and the Dutchman has been busy in the transfer market over the past 12 months

Arne Slot is the leading candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer and the Dutchman has been busy in the transfer market over the past 12 months

Arne Slot is the leading candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer and the Dutchman has been busy in the transfer market over the past 12 months

With the news that Liverpool are reportedly set to switch from Nike to Adidas, fans and designers have created some brilliant mock-ups of how the Reds could look in an Adidas strip.

Since moving away from New Balance in 2020, Nike have supplied Liverpool’s kits but the Reds’ agreement is set to conclude in 2025.

According to Sport Business, Adidas are set to take over and with that has come a flurry of fan-created designs.

After the news broke, supporters and budding graphic designers were quick to share their ideas on what the future could hold for the Liverpool strip.

This kit below, posted on X by LFCDZN11, features a throwback to the 1989-91 shirt and is one of the best that has been shared- a perfect blend between the past and present.

Liverpool x Adidas concept. ‘89/90 Candy tribute. ????? pic.twitter.com/pFe6gmH6ar

— LFCDZN11 (@lfcdzn11) September 18, 2023

Plenty of other mock-ups that used previous Adidas kits as inspiration were shared, some more outlandish than others.

A modern take on the Liverpool x adidas 1992/93 away. This adidas template ??

Work in collaboration with @Footy_Headlines pic.twitter.com/4nnWfxLyfH

— LFCDZN11 (@lfcdzn11) December 22, 2023

Liverpool x adidas away kit concept, featuring the ‘95/96 crest. ??? pic.twitter.com/jG1gA81Fq4

— LFCDZN11 (@lfcdzn11) September 23, 2023

In reality, Adidas are likely to only subtly hint at these retro kits in their designs, and will instead take the strip in a new direction.

Liverpool x Adidas concept kits??

Would you be happy to see Liverpool return to @adidas pic.twitter.com/ozJp3pNikl

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) April 23, 2024

Liverpool x adidas 2024/25. Concept based on the adidas template for next season. ??

In collaboration with @Footy_Headlines pic.twitter.com/HcBLpAc7Uv

— LFCDZN11 (@lfcdzn11) January 23, 2024

While many of the ideas online were excellent, we can safely say this Carlsberg-sponsored one below won’t be happening anytime soon, with Standard Chartered set to remain as shirt sponsor until at least 2027.

A thread of my Liverpool x adidas concept kits. ??? pic.twitter.com/vlmD7FSJxB

— LFCDZN11 (@lfcdzn11) April 23, 2024

If confirmed in due course, the contract with Adidas would reunite Liverpool a kit supplier that became synonymous with the club over two lengthy periods between 1985-1996 and 2006-2012.

The Reds’ proposed deal with Adidas is reported by Sport Business to be “higher than the circa £50 million [per season] paid out under the Nike contract,” but would “fall well short of the league-wide record £90 million” paid to Man United.

A trend that has come to pass in recent years has been kit suppliers using a template and only making slight adjustments for different clubs across the world.

So far, Nike have treated Liverpool uniquely, something that New Balance and Warrior before them had going in their favour.

Hopefully, Adidas continue to release Liverpool kits that are special to the club and not a copy of a generic template.

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Liverpool have opened negotiations with Feyenoord about hiring Arne Slot as their new manager.

Sky Sports News reported on Tuesday that Slot is at the forefront of Liverpool's search for Jurgen Klopp's replacement.

The Feyenoord head coach ticks all their key criteria for the position and sources in Holland indicate the process could move quickly with the 45-year-old keen to join the Anfield club.

Compensation is anticipated to be in the region of £9m if a deal is to be closed.

Why are Liverpool keen on Slot?

Who is Slot and why do Liverpool want him?

• Age: 45
• Trophies won: Eredivisie 2022/23, KNVB Cup 2023/24
• Playing style: Aggressive, full-throttle
• Preferred formations: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3

Slot, who secured the KNVB Cup last weekend and led Feyenoord to their first title in six years last season, appeals to Liverpool due to his aggressive, full-throttle style.

He has drilled his team to be adept at turning defensive actions into shooting opportunities and they top the Eredivisie for tackles won in the opposition's final third.

Feyenoord have the best defence in the league and the second-best offensive metrics.

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Feyenoord boss Arne Slot gave an inspirational team talk following a huge win against Ajax last season - his side then went on to win the Eredivisie

Slot has proved capable of improving individuals as well as the collective, while operating on a smaller budget than his core competitors, and his penchant for a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation fits Liverpool's squad.

Slot has previously been approached by Tottenham, Chelsea and Leeds. He signed a new contract last May to keep him at Feyenoord until 2026 but has referenced a desire to make the next step in his career.

Sporting manager Ruben Amorim was under consideration by Liverpool but sources say he is no longer in the frame, as it stands.

West Ham are interested in Amorim but Julen Lopetegui, the former Wolves, Real Madrid and Spain boss, and Paulo Fonseca, currently in charge of Lille, are considered the frontrunners.

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Peter Smith and David Reed discuss the news that Liverpool have opened negotiations with Feyenoord about hiring Slot as manager 'Slot brings crazy, sexy football'

Slot took over from Dick Advocaat at Feyenoord for the start of the 2021/22 season with the club having finished fifth the previous campaign. Just two years later, they were champions of the Eredivisie. He built a pressing team playing intense, attack-minded football while also being able to win.

Feyenoord are second behind PSV Eindhoven this season, nine points adrift with four games to play. In Europe, they finished third in their Champions League group before dropping into the Europa League where they were knocked out by Roma on penalties in February.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan said: "He is the prime candidate for Liverpool. It was only a matter of time before another big English club would come knocking on the door. He's not only been a successful manager, he's also been hugely impressive with his playing style of very attack-minded, Pep Guardiola-style football.

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Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan explains why Slot is the right candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager

"I don't expect Feyenoord to stand in the way. They know he's a manager in demand but they will demand a big compensation fee. He has two years left on his contract that was a record deal.

"Never before in Dutch football has a team paid a manager such huge wages. The players like him, the fans love him, the club love him - they won't want him to go. Feyenoord have every right to demand a big fee as there is no clause in his contract which he renewed last year.

"He's been a successful coach and made Feyenoord champions playing crazy, sexy football. It is sexy what this man brings on a football pitch. There's nothing more to win for him here. The next step for him is to enter a club in a big league and no league is bigger for the Dutch than the Premier League. I will be surprised if Slot doesn't bite at this chance and become the manager of Liverpool next season."

What has Slot said about managing in Premier League?

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Slot revealed his admiration for the Premier League last May when he was previously linked with a job at Tottenham

Last summer, Slot was one of the leading contenders for the then-vacant Tottenham manager's role and Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill went to Rotterdam to cover the story.

Cotterill found Slot to be "engaging, polite, very smiley, he's got presence and charisma - and he's funny" when writing about his trip to get the lowdown on the Feyenoord boss, who has been open about his desire to manage in the Premier League.

"My next step will not be a club in Holland," he said in May 2023.

"If that is my next step, then I've failed completely. The normal next step will be to go abroad and I've always said the best league in the world is the Premier League."

What happened with Tottenham's approach for Slot? Image: Slot was wanted by Tottenham before they appointed Ange Postecoglou

Spurs were determined to get Slot last summer after he secured the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord.

However, Slot ruled himself out of the running to take over in north London before signing a new contract at Feyenoord a few days later which runs until 2026.

"I'm not done here yet," Slot said after the announcement of his new deal.

The potential deal with Spurs never got to any formal stage of discussions with him or Feyenoord and Spurs bosses felt that Slot used their interest in him to get an improved contract in the Netherlands.

Ange Postecoglou was eventually appointed by Spurs from Celtic.

Image: Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was keen on securing Slot last summer 'Slot is no shrinking violet'

European football expert Andy Brassell told Sky Sports News:

"Slot is a guy who has got a consistent record of success and playing attacking football over several years. That idea of redeveloping teams and working with younger players as well is something that really appeals to Liverpool.

"The way he wants to attack would really appeal to Liverpool fans, too. He always wants his teams to find a way to put pressure on the opposition, to press, to score goals, and they do that in Europe as well.

"No one is quite like Jurgen Klopp in front of the media, but Slot is no shrinking violet at all. We've seen this when his side have played Roma and he's come up against Jose Mourinho. He's not afraid to upset and won't back down.

"Premier League clubs have known he would fit in well for quite a while. The Premier League has moved more towards possession and front-foot football, so it's probably the right time for Slot. Of course, there's a gap in quality compared to the Eredivisie, but he'll have better players at his disposal in the Premier League."

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Liverpool knows it must pick up three points in Wednesday night's Merseyside derby to keep its title hopes alive. The Reds went into second by beating Fulham on Sunday and now travels to Goodison Park to face Everton.

Arsenal opened up a three-point gap at the top by thrashing Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday night and has a far better goal difference than Liverpool and third-placed Manchester City. With just five games to go, that could prove to be decisive.

It means Liverpool needs a win against its fierce rivals to draw level at the top, and put more pressure on City. Pep Guardiola's side does have games in hand, starting with a trip to Brighton on Thursday.

READ MORE: Liverpool has already been told two stars to sign who Arne Slot worked wonders with at Feyenoord

READ MORE: Liverpool candidate Arne Slot 'questioned' Mikel Arteta methods before José Mourinho 'row'

Off the pitch, Liverpool is continuing its search for a new manager, with Arne Slot emerging as a new favorite. He could be in for a busy summer, if he takes over, with Liverpool tipped to make transfer reinforcements.

Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the Premier League and across the continent to see what's going on at Liverpool's rivals, including competition for a midfield option, as Manchester United and Chelsea look to improve their defenses.

Arsenal and Man City keen on Bruno Guimarães?

Newcastle ace Bruno Guimarães is set to be a summer target for both Arsenal and Manchester City, reports The Telegraph. The Brazilian has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since arriving from Lyon in 2022.

It was reported in January by the Spanish publication AS that Liverpool was considering a move for Guimarães, with PSG, Barcelona and Chelsea also keen. But it now appears there will also be competition from Arsenal and City.

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The report states the title rivals could go head-to-head for the 26-year-old, as they did for Declan Rice last summer. It is claimed that Guimarães, who is believed to have a release clause of $124m (£100m/€116m), is 'aware' of interest from both clubs.

Arsenal is looking to strengthen its midfield this summer with Thomas Partey and Jorginho facing uncertain futures. Manchester City is also eyeing reinforcements, should Bernardo Silva be targeted at the end of the season.

Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt that Guimarães would be a great addition to any top club but will cost a hefty transfer fee. Newcastle is likely to demand his release clause is paid in full and that may stop Liverpool making a move. After last summer's midfield overhaul, there are likely to be other priorities this summer.

Man Utd and Chelsea 'target' Lukeba

RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba could be on the move this summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly keeping tabs on him. The 21-year-old only joined Leipzig a year ago, arriving from Lyon in a $36m (£29m/€34m) deal amid links to Liverpool (via the Daily Express).

He has enjoyed an excellent campaign in the Bundesliga and was handed his first France call-up earlier this season. Lukeba is also hoping to be involved at the Olympics in Paris this summer.

But according to Foot Mercato, he is being lined up for another transfer. It is claimed that both United and Chelsea have made checks on the defender in recent months. Lukeba has a release clause of $75m (£60m/€70m) at Leipzig and it is stated that the German club has no plans to let the player go at the end of the season.

Liverpool.com says: Lukeba has emerged as one of the best young defenders in Europe this season and will be being watched by a host of clubs right now. Liverpool was linked with him a year ago and is likely to seek defensive reinforcements this summer. At just 21, Lukeba seems destined for a very bright future.

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Liverpool has only won two Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park during the tenure of Jürgen Klopp but if its Premier League title hopes are not to be dashed, that record needs to be extended later today. It is the German's final derby, of course, and the three points will be vital if the Reds are to maintain the pressure on Manchester City.

Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-0 yesterday to send a clear statement that it is still in the fight and Liverpool needs a similarly convincing showing to keep pace. If the Reds can win, they will go four points ahead of Manchester City before Pep Guardiola's side faces Brighton tomorrow, albeit the Citizens would have two games in hand.

With Manchester City slightly fatigued after a relentless schedule and with Brighton and Nottingham Forest to play away from home in the space of a few days, it would be interesting to see how Guardiola's men coped with being behind. You would expect them to win both matches, but Liverpool has to put them in the position of needing to.

READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp identifies one thing he won't miss about Liverpool ahead of last Everton derby

READ MORE: Liverpool injury latest and return dates before Everton as Jürgen Klopp gives Diogo Jota update

Diogo Jota is the latest Liverpool player to be sidelined through a frustrating injury, however. Klopp confirmed during his press conference that the Portugal forward is set to be missing for a fortnight though he didn't go into too much detail on exactly what the issue was. Jota made a goalscoring return to the starting line-up on Sunday against Fulham and will be a big miss.

Conor Bradley, Thiago Alcântara, Joël Matip and Ben Doak are all currently missing for Liverpool, while Stefan Bajčetić played 45 minutes for the Reds' U21s against Sunderland on Monday as the Spaniard nears a senior return. Bradley could play again this season while Bajčetić may at some point get a substitute appearance but a full return is likelier next season.

Given the injury to Jota and the decent showing that Cody Gakpo put in at Craven Cottage, the Dutch forward should retain his place in the team against Everton. Mohamed Salah is expected to come back into the side and there would then be a choice between Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez for the final slot in the attack.

Alexis Mac Allister is a certainty to return to the starting XI and Curtis Jones should be as well given the control that he gives Liverpool. A Mac Allister, Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai midfield would give Liverpool the chance to dominate Everton and pen the Blues back in at Goodison Park. Mac Allister and Jones, at least, should be certain starters.

In the Liverpool defense, Ibrahima Konaté should come back into the team having dropped out for Jarell Quansah over the weekend. Against Dominic Calvert-Lewin, should the Everton striker be fit to start, his physicality could be important. Salah, Gakpo, Mac Allister and Jones should all start against Everton, while Konaté is likely to come back into the side too.

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