Departing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is supposedly at the centre of a battle between BBC and ITV for Euro 2024 punditry duties.
The 56-year-old will officially be out of work when the 2023-24 campaign concludes, having revealed his intention to step down from his Anfield post to Liverpool supporters at the end of January.
Klopp, who informed the Reds hierarchy of his decision two months earlier, explained that he was "running out of energy" on Merseyside and would take a year-long sabbatical before deciding whether he wanted to enter the world of management again.
In between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 domestic seasons, Klopp's home country Germany will host this year's European Championships, where Die Mannschaft will face Hungary, Switzerland and Scotland in June's group fixtures.
According to the Daily Mail, both the BBC and ITV want to offer punditry roles to Klopp - whom Germany have tried and failed to hire as their new head coach for some time - after he leaves Liverpool.
Both broadcasters apparently believe that Klopp's status as one of the world's best managers, as well as his charisma and insight, would make him an invaluable addition to their punditry ranks as they compete for viewers and ratings.
The report adds that the BBC and ITV have both accelerated their efforts to sign Klopp, and the former have been more "aggressive" in their approach, but the Liverpool boss is expected to reject any offers.
Germany play their first group game against Scotland on June 14, which could be just three weeks after Liverpool's final game of the season should the Reds reach the FA Cup final, scheduled to take place on May 25.
Klopp - whose side could also qualify for the Europa League final on May 22 - supposedly wants to watch the Euros as a fan, and the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss already has tickets for Germany's three group fixtures.
In addition, Klopp will also prioritise a personal holiday after calling time on his trophy-laden nine-year spell at Anfield, which has seen the Reds win eight major honours under his wing, including their first-ever Premier League title and sixth Champions League/European Cup.
The 56-year-old has also clinched two EFL Cup crowns with Liverpool, overseeing a 1-0 extra-time win over Chelsea in February's final, as well as an FA Cup, Club World Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup.
Liverpool, who have achieved 296 wins from 473 games with Klopp at the helm, remain on course for an incredible quadruple this time around, sitting one point clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table ahead of Sunday's tantalising clash with the champions at Anfield.
Either side of the meeting with Pep Guardiola's side, Liverpool pit their wits against Sparta Prague in the last 16 of the Europa League, starting with Thursday's first leg in the Czech Republic, before taking on Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup prior to the international break.
Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso remains Liverpool's first pick to replace Klopp, but Bayern Munich are also pursuing the Spaniard's signature, and the Reds are yet to hire a new sporting director following Jorg Schmadtke's exit at the end of January. body check tags ::
