Liverpool open talks with Jurgen Klopp over improved long-term contract to ward off potential suitors

• Jurgen Klopp signed a three-year deal when he joined Liverpool last year
• After his impressive first season in charge, the Anfield hierarchy have decided to give the German an improved contract to ward off suitors
• Klopp returns to the public eye when Liverpool play first friendly on Friday

Liverpool's owners have made their most significant move of the summer by opening talks with Jurgen Klopp over a new contract.

Klopp signed a three-year deal, with the option for a further season, when he was recruited by Fenway Sports Group last October but the Americans have taken action to ensure their manager remains at Anfield for the foreseeable future.

The decision to re-examine Klopp’s terms after just nine months on Merseyside was driven firmly by FSG to ward off the threat of any clubs – or countries – coming to poach the German in the future. Had they not moved now, Klopp would have out of contract in June 2018. 

Liverpool’s owners have opened talks with Jurgen Klopp over a new contract to tie the German to Anfield

Liverpool manager Klopp grins as he takes training on Tuesday morning at Melwood

Now, though, his current terms, which are thought to be worth more than £6million per season, will be ripped up and replaced by an improved long-term deal. 

Though there will be a pay rise, to reflect his work in taking Liverpool to two cup finals, it is the length of the package that will be significant.

FSG have been bowled over by the work Klopp has done but also his determination to work with and develop young players. Their view is that the 49-year-old fits in perfectly with their ethos, he has bought into their vision and they do not want to protect their asset.

Sadio Mane (front) and Joel Matip limber up for their first pre-season friendly against Tranmere on Friday

So it was decided by Mike Gordon, FSG’s president and the man most involved in the day-to-day running of Liverpool, along with principal owner John W Henry and Chairman Tom Werner to approach Klopp and his representatives during the close season.

There is no indication yet as to when Liverpool might be in a position to make an announcement but the relationship Klopp enjoys with FSG’s hierarchy – and how quickly he has immersed himself into life on Merseyside – means talks are expected to run smoothly. His assistants Zelkjo Buvac and Peter Kraweitz will also receive new deals.

Klopp will be back in the public eye  on Friday night when Liverpool play their first pre-season fixture against Tranmere Rovers, where it is expected that Sadio Mane, the club’s new £30million forward, will make his first appearance in a red shirt.

LIVERPOOL'S FRIENDLIES 

TRANMERE ROVERS (A) - July 8 

FLEETWOOD TOWN (A) - July 13 

WIGAN ATHLETIC (A) - July 17

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN (A) - July 20

CHELSEA (N) - July 28

AC MILAN (N) - July 31

ROMA (N) - August 2

BARCELONA (N) - August 6

MAINZ (A) August 7