Michael Owen next Liverpool manager candidate has just been taken off the market

While Jurgen Klopp's sole concentration is on the five games he has remaining as Liverpool manager, the focus behind the scenes is on who will replace him.

Klopp's nine-year stint as Reds boss is coming to a conclusion. And, fittingly, given the success and joy he has brought to the fan base, he could yet go out with a bang.

Liverpool cross Stanley Park on Wednesday to take on Merseyside rivals Everton in the midst of a three-way battle for the Premier League. Sunday's morale-boosting 3-1 win at Fulham means Klopp's side moved level on points with leaders Arsenal, who boast a better goal difference.

Liverpool might have to shake hands with the enemy until perfect new manager is available

Liverpool new manager stance hasn't changed despite Ruben Amorim shock

Manchester City sit a point behind the top two, with a game in hand, and remain the favourites to retain the crown they have claimed for the last three seasons. But the Reds are certainly not out of the running and the only focus on the training pitch and the changing room is winning the title, which would be the perfect leaving gift for their much-loved manager.

But away from the training pitch and changing room, FSG's new CEO of Football Michael Edwards and Liverpool's new sporting director Richard Hughes are continuing their search for the man who will take over from Klopp at the end of the campaign.

After Xabi Alonso's decision to remain with treble-chasing Bayer Leverkusen, it appeared that Ruben Amorim was the leading contender. However, a report from The Athletic suggests that is no longer the case.

But could the solution be found in the Premier League?

Unai Emery has led Aston Villa into the the Champions League places and into the semi-finals of the