Klopp Could Return to Take over at Liverpool

Juergen Klopp appears to be close to taking over as Liverpool manager.

Representatives of the former Borussia Dortmund coach are in talks with the Premier League club, which fired Brendan Rodgers on Sunday after the team's 18-month slump since nearly winning the league title in 2014.

Liverpool could make a new appointment by the end of the week. The team's next game is against Tottenham on October 17.

The 48-year-old Klopp has been out of work since leaving Dortmund at the end of last season after winning two German league titles. He is regarded as one of European football's most respected coaches.

Former Real Madrid and Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti is also considered to be a potential candidate to replace Rodgers.

Speaking to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Ancelotti said he was ready to come back to full-time management, but indicated he was thinking more in terms of next season.

"I enjoy my time now but, of course, I want to come back to manage - to work - because it is my passion," he told AP at an awards ceremony in London.

"I want to take my time to rest, but next season I am ready."