Roy Keane has raised a major doubt over Roberto De Zerbi's credentials to become the next Liverpool manager.
The Italian is among the favourites to replace Jurgen Klopp after the news that Xabi Alonso will not be leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Finding the right candidate to step into Klopp's shoes has looked an unenviable task ever since he announced he would be quitting at the end of the season.
The German will be leaving a fine squad behind who could end the season with three trophies to their name as they push for Premier League and Europa League glory.
Liverpool news: Roy Keane doubts if Roberto De Zerbi has the credentials to manage the Reds
Sky Sports
Alonso was widely expected to be the leading contender but this week said he will not leave Leverkusen just yet.
De Zerbi has earned a growing reputation at Brighton since taking over at the Amex early last season.
He has previously had spells in charge at Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk but is yet to win a top-flight trophy in his managerial career.
De Zerbi this week said a new contract at Brighton is not close to increase the speculation over his future.
Keane has no doubt that the 44-year-old's exit would be bad news for Brighton.
However, the Manchester United legend has questioned whether he has the trophy haul to manage a club the size of Liverpool.
Keane said on Sky Sports: "I wouldn't go that far [that he's too fiery] because he's his own personality and every manager is different.
"I think that's probably a big plus for him. Sometimes when you're a manager at a club you hope he makes a commitment to the club when he's asked these questions.
"I suppose there's a bit of honesty there, he's not sure where his future is.
"Which is a concern for Brighton, over the next few months and years with what they're planning.
"I look at his CV and I still have my question marks about is he ready for that step yet. For Liverpool, I've got my doubts.
"His teams play a lovely brand of football but I still have doubts about what he's won to take that job."
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Liverpool news: Roberto De Zerbi says he is not close to signing a new Brighton contract
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De Zerbi's contract at Brighton runs until 2026 and he has also been linked with the Manchester United and Bayern Munich jobs.
He says he will speak to Brighton chairman Tony Bloom before making a decision on his long-term future.
De Zerbi said: "At the moment, no. We didn’t find the agreement. The contract is a part of the future.
"It’s important for me, it’s important for everyone but it’s a small part, the big part is the plan. We have to speak with the club.
Liverpool news: Roberto De Zerbi is a contender to replace Jurgen Klopp
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"I have a different way to decide my future. I want to speak with my club, I have a contract but the problem is not the contract – the problem is to find the same plan, the same target, the same vision for the future.
"For me, I have not decided yet what is my future, because I have the contract, but anyway I want to speak with Tony, my club, to understand their plan, to understand his plan, the Tony plan.
"Then we take the decision together, without problems."
