Klopp sparks battle between BBC & ITV, broadcaster desperate to have punditry XI

The BBC and ITV are battling to add number one target Jurgen Klopp to their punditry teams at the European Championship.

However, Mail Sport understands that both will be disappointed, with the outgoing Liverpool manager expected to turn offers down - and instead head to the tournament in his native Germany as a fan.

The UK’s two main broadcasters are known to be desperate to add Klopp to their line-ups for the summer showdown. They believe the charismatic Anfield boss would be a must-watch, marquee signing and would give their coverage the edge in the traditional battle for viewers.

Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and both have significantly stepped up their attempts to add him to their teams. Insiders have disclosed that the BBC have been the more aggressive of the two.

But both are highly likely to fail in their mission, which may well leave viewers disappointed.

Klopp has tickets for each of Germany’s three group games – starting with their tournament opener against Scotland on June 14 in Munich.

He is known to be keen to switch off following what will no doubt be an emotional departure from Liverpool after close to nine years at the helm.

The run-in to his final campaign is likely to be intense, with his side – which have already lifted the Carabao Cup – also hunting Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League glory.

Klopp, who led Liverpool to their first top-flight title in 30 years and lifted the Champions League in 2019, has declined to engage after being made aware of the interest and is said to have no desire to head into the studio.

Instead, the Stuttgart-born 56-year-old, who has previously been linked with the national team job, will take in the action from the stands and is also likely to jet off