Barcelona have been urged to pursue Roberto De Zerbi as their next manager but look set to back out due to his compensation clause, which leaves the door open for Liverpool

Barcelona are set to ignore Pep Guardiola's recommendation and opt against pursuing Roberto De Zerbi as their next manager.

De Zerbi has made an instant impact since arriving at the Amex as a relatively unknown quantity. The Italian was hired to replace Graham Potter and guided the Seagulls to Europe, playing an impressive brand of football whilst doing so, thus attracting interest from top clubs.

Barcelona though are reluctant to pay the fee required to get De Zerbi out of his Brighton contract, reports Sport. It is understood that the Seagulls have protected their asset and will need a fee of PS12.8million if they are to let him seek pastures new.

The 44-year-old's contract runs until 2026 and he said earlier this week: "Yes. I have a contract. I have decided nothing. My focus is on Brighton - 100 per cent."

They are several top European outfits looking to appoint new bosses, with each one's move likely to have a knock-on effect. Xabi Alonso looks likely to lead Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title, bar a late collapse, and as a result his stock has gone through the roof.

Liverpool may consider the Brighton boss as Jurgen Klopp's replacement ( Image: