Roberto De Zerbi has already given clear Liverpool next manager response amid Xabi Alonso decision

Roberto De Zerbi has not ruled out the possibility of departing Brighton & Hove Albion amid continued speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.

The search for the next Reds manager is underway, with De Zerbi understood to be of interest to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season. The 44-year-old has had a significant impact on the south coast in such a short space of time in England.

Since being appointed in 2022, he helped Brighton to a sixth-place finish last season, finishing one place behind Liverpool in the process. This season, his side finished top of their Europa League group, which featured Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens.

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With the news that Xabi Alonso is unlikely to become the Reds' next manager, De Zerbi and Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim are the bookies' favourites to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Previously speaking about being linked with clubs such as Liverpool, De Zerbi admitted he was flattered. He told Sky Sports: "When I listen that the big teams are interested in me, it is an honour and makes me proud.

"My focus is the work day by day. About the future, I'm going to speak with the owner and the club because I want to compete in the best way I can. I want to understand their plan and then it is not a problem to work in a big, big team.

"I would like, in my career, to compete to win the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga, Champions League. There isn't a time when you have to go to compete or you have to wait for something in more time."

On a possible return to his homeland, he added: "I love my country. I love Italian