Liverpool should replace Jurgen Klopp with an internal appointment rather than an external head coach.

That is the view of club legend Phil Thompson, who has thrown his weight behind an unlikely candidate.

Thompson believes Klopp should be replaced in the summer with his assistant Pep Lijnders.

“I don't think he'd [Lijnders] have too many objectors [to replace Klopp], Liverpool fans, if they know enough about the club and the people behind the scenes and the back-up staff for Jurgen," the former Reds centre-back said on talkSPORT.

“Pep Lijnders is a fantastic coach and if you watch him on the training ground, he is full of it, full of energy and ideas.

“I would have no problems with him being it. If they announced it I would say yes.

“There must be something else in the offing for Pep Lijnders. Whatever he does, if he goes with Klopp [or] on his own, I will wish him that best but if he was offered the job I would like to think Pep would have considered it at least."