Liverpool management do not expect Zeljko Buvac to return to the club, it has been revealed.

The Irish Independent says manager Jurgen Klopp and Buvac decided over the weekend to temporarily suspend their working relationship.

The pair have worked closely for 17 years at three different clubs. But their professional relationship is in crisis. Growing tensions came to a head following Saturday's goalless draw with Stoke City.

The club left open the possibility of his return before the start of next season, although privately that has been conceded to be unlikely.

Liverpool's players were shocked to be informed of the development at their Melwood training ground on Sunday.