'What I would say' - Jamie Carragher gives verdict on Arne Slot amid next Liverpool manager links

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher believes it would be a "big jump" for Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp - but says the hunt shows a "lack of top managers".

The 45-year-old has been identified as the preferred candidate for the role ahead of the German stepping down at the end of the season. Slot has emerged as the favourite to succeed Klopp after Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim became hot contenders to take over.

Reports surfaced this week suggesting that Amorim flew to London this week with the Sporting CP boss believed to be undergoing talks with West Ham United. Alonso, who was immediately installed as the favourite to succeed Klopp, distanced himself from the vacancy - setting his focus on Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of the treble, where they have since won their first-ever Bundesliga.

READ MORE: Why Liverpool have two key advantages in Arne Slot talks after double Premier League rejection

READ MORE: Five reasons why Arne Slot is perfect next Liverpool manager as expert gives inside view

Carragher believes that the Anfield hotseat would be a "huge jump" for Slot after becoming the preferred candidate, which would see him become the Reds' first-ever Dutch manager.

"What I would say from Feyenoord to Liverpool is a huge jump and I think it shows in this moment a lack of real top managers out there when you look at who Liverpool were going for," he told Sky Sports.

"Initially probably Xabi Alonso but it was only his first full season as a manager. There was talk of Amorin from Sporting Lisbon but he’s only 39.

"Now Arne Slot looks like he is the favourite right now. I don’t think it’s like Rafa Benitez coming on or Jurgen Klopp coming in.

"Benitez came off the back of winning two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup and Jurgen Klopp coming after winning a couple of titles with Borussia Dortmund and getting to a Champions League final.

"Liverpool were in a different space then, and that was a Liverpool team under Rafa Benitez that I was part of that was trying to qualify for the top four, the same with Jurgen Klopp when he came in.

"Liverpool are in a different area now and fancy themselves to challenge for the Premier League next season and the Champions League, they will be expected to reach the quarter-finals at least.

"I think it is a huge jump, he’s obviously a great coach and has a good track record with the clubs he has had so far, so we will see."