Norwich City ‘to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant for manager’s job after snubbing Jack Wilshere’

NORWICH are set to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders, according to reports.

The Canaries are on the hunt for a successor to axed ex-boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.

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Pepijn Lijnders worked under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool[/caption]

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere stepped in as caretaker for the final two matches of the season.

But the 33-year-old is set to depart Carrow Road after being informed that he will not be considered for the job on a permanent basis.

According to the Telegraph, Lijnders has emerged as a serious candidate and will speak to Norwich chiefs later this week.

The Dutchman, 42, worked as Jurgen Klopp‘s assistant manager for several years before leaving Liverpool alongside the German last summer.

Lijnders was briefly in charge of Dutch side NEC in 2018, while last May he joined Red Bull Salzburg upon his Anfield exit.

The former Liverpool No2 lasted just 29 games in charge of the Austrian outfit after finding himself 10 points off the pace in the title race.

Norwich are claimed to have already spoken to former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil.

The 41-year-old, who played for the Canaries between 2014 and 2016, has been out of work since leaving Molineux last December.

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Lijnders, 42, worked alongside Jurgen Klopp for several years[/caption]

Norwich chiefs are also said to be keen on ex-Nottingham Forest and Leicester boss Steve Cooper.

But the Welshman is not believed to be keen on the move at this stage.

Despite not having a manager, Norwich have released their retained list.

While they have also confirmed that they will go on a pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, Lijnders home country.

Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper, who succeeded Stuart Webber in December 2023, said: “We want somebody in as soon as we can without compromising the quality of our process and of the candidate, and finding the right person.

“It’s not something we expect to wrap up in a week or two but we don’t want this to drag. We absolutely will have a head coach in place long before pre-season starts.”

Norwich are expected to confirm an appointment before the end of this month.

AP

Gary O’Neil has also emerged as a contender for the Norwich job[/caption]