ANFIELD — Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has discreetly activated a lead to replace manager Arne Slot if he is fired, with Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola identified as the preferred candidate. The club's management is open to terminating Slot's contract to bring in Iraola, who is available on a free transfer.

Liverpool must beat Brentford at Anfield in the final game of the season to guarantee a place in next season's Champions League. The fixture follows a defeat to Aston Villa.

Slot has overseen 20 losses in all competitions this season. No public comment has been issued by Liverpool or Slot on the contingency planning.

Iraola, who managed Bournemouth, has emerged as Hughes's first choice should a change be made. The structure of his current situation means he could be appointed without a compensation payment to his present club.

Liverpool's 20 losses this season represent the backdrop against which Hughes has been preparing the potential management change. The loss to Aston Villa came ahead of the club's final home fixture of the season against Brentford, a match Liverpool must win to secure Champions League football next season.

Iraola is available on a free transfer, meaning Liverpool would not need to pay a transfer fee or compensation to bring him to Anfield if a decision is made to part ways with Slot. Hughes has identified Iraola as his preferred candidate, according to reports, though neither Liverpool nor Slot has issued any public statement regarding the contingency plans.