Jurgen Klopp’s assistant linked with Arsenal job

Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool, Zeljko Buvac, will sensationally replace Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss claims a report in his native Bosnia.

Through their global network of contacts, Sports Witness have picked up on the tale and while such a scenario would send shockwaves through the football world, they point out that this supposed exclusive comes from Pravda BL, who also confirmed Jurgen Klopp’s appointment at Anfield just before he took up the post in 2015.

With a change in the dugout at the Gunners for the first time in over two decades, Emirates chiefs would be expected to go for a high-profile candidate with the likes of Massimiliano Allegri, Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti, Paulo Fonseca and former Reds boss Brendan Rodgers all among the bookies’ favourites.

However, after working with Klopp for almost 17 years, perhaps Buvac’s proposed switch to Liverpool’s Premier League rivals isn’t as far-fetched as it might first appear.

After all, Arsenal appointed Borussia Dortmund scout Sven Mislintat as head of recruitment in November when chief scout Steve Rowley stepped down after 25 years and both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and another BVB old boy Henrikh Mkhitaryan have subsequently followed him.

A spokesman said: “We all know that Arsene Wenger had a philosophy at Arsenal, so it’s appropriate that a man known as ‘the brains’ is linked with succeeding him.

“This would be very bold, though – and distinctly un-Arsenal like – but we can’t ignore what our punters are telling us.”

Liverpool has dismissed reports that assistant manager Zeljko Buvac has quit the club – but he will be absent for the rest of the season.