Liverpool's owners have moved to tie up assistant manager Steve Clarke amid rumours of Jose Mourinho's return to England this summer.
The Guardian says Fenway Sports Group have opened talks with Clarke about a long-term deal.
Liverpool's owners aware that any return to English football by Mourinho could result in the Real Madrid manager offering Clarke, who was his right-hand man at Chelsea, the chance of a reunion.
Clarke is being handed a three-year contract.
