Bologna defender Beukema admits admiration for Liverpool boss Slot

Beukema has been linked with the Reds this season, having previously been close to Slot's Feyenoord.

Yesterday he said: “Slot sent me a message asking if I wanted to meet you. Feyenoord is my youth club and I knew he would become their coach.”

However, a move to Feyenoord never happened and Beukema subsequently ended up in Bologna.

The 26-year-old admits that he holds Slot in very high regard.

“I think he is one of the best coaches in the Netherlands and Europe. After our Champions League match against Liverpool he paid tribute to us and said it is incredible that we compete at this level,” said Beukema.