"He is the best coach in the world" - £67 million-rated Liverpool target heaps praise on Arne Slot

Liverpool target and Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu has hailed Arne Slot as the best coach in the world. The Turkey international previously played under the Dutchman at Feyenoord and credited him for his development.

Kokcu has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks following Arne Slot's arrival at Anfield this summer. The 23-year-old is regarded highly across Europe following his exploits for Feyenoord and Benfica over the last few years.

As reported by Football Insider (via Empire of the Kop), Slot has urged the Reds' sporting director Richard Hughes to do everything in his power to land Kokcu next summer. It was also claimed that the Turkey international would be ready to reunite with his former manager at Anfield.

According to Kokcu's remarks on Slot in the print edition of Portuguese outlet Record, it is quite clear that the midfielder admires the Liverpool manager. He said, as quoted by Empire of the Kop:

“He made me the player I am today. He is the best coach in the world.”

It has been claimed that Benfica value Kokcu at £67 million although he has a release clause of £125.5 million in his contract. He joined the Portuguese giants in 2023 in a deal worth a reported €30 million (£25m) and has been excellent for the Eagles.

Prior to his move to Benfica, Kokcu spent nine seasons at Feyenoord, having come through the club's youth ranks. He played 96 times under Arne Slot, scoring 21 goals and producing 14 assists and was a key figure in Feyenoord's Eredivisie win in 2022-23.

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Liverpool eyeing a £40 million move for Premier League full-back: Reports

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a move for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson as they look for the successor of Andrew Robertson. As claimed by TBR Football, the Reds have identified the USA international as a key target for next summer.

It has been claimed that the Merseyside giants would even be willing to offer the Cottagers Kostas Tsimikas as part of the deal. Robinson is currently contracted at the Craven Cottage until 2028 and is reportedly valued at £40 million by Marco Silva's side.

Liverpool reportedly hope that offering Tsimikas as part of the deal would lower Fulham's asking price. Robinson has played every minute for Fulham in the Premier League this season so far, having contributed with three assists in 11 games.

The Reds are reportedly also considering Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri as alternatives.