Arne Slot has turned down the opportunity to become Fulham’s new manager following his departure from Liverpool, according to The Times.
The 47-year-old was sacked by Liverpool last week, just a year after guiding the club to the Premier League title.
Fulham are searching for a replacement for Marco Silva, who has left Craven Cottage after five years in charge.
Silva has agreed a three-year deal with Benfica, where he is expected to succeed Jose Mourinho once the Portuguese coach’s move to Real Madrid is finalised.
Fulham have also shortlisted Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and former Brentford boss Thomas Frank. McKenna remains highly regarded but his £8 million release clause has deterred several interested clubs.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are closing in on the appointment of Lens manager Pierre Sage after also holding talks with Andoni Iraola, who has since taken over at Liverpool.
Arne Slot is not believed to be rushing into his next role and has already been linked with succeeding Ronald Koeman as Netherlands manager after this summer’s World Cup.
The decision to sack Arne Slot was taken jointly by Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, Michael Edwards, and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.
The pair concluded that the club required a more aggressive, front-foot style of football and moved swiftly to make a change despite Slot having guided Liverpool to the Premier League title just a year earlier.
Liverpool have since appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, with the 43-year-old signing a two-year contract after leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season.
The Spaniard replaces Slot following an impressive spell on the south coast, where he led Bournemouth to European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
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