Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s former right-hand man David Wagner is in the frame to become Huddersfield Town’s next manager.
Klopp wants his old Borussia Dortmund assistant to join him at Anfield.
But we understand Wagner, a 44-year-old former American international striker, could be offered the chance to succeed sacked Chris Powell at the Championship club.
Burton Albion boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Walsall manager Dean Smith are among other names linked with the Town vacancy following the departure of Powell in the wake of Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Reading.
But the odds on Wagner, who this week departed Dortmund, have tumbled.
He has been in charge of the German club’s Under 23 side – and Town want a boss who will fully embrace their development-based blueprint.
Watch: Huddersfield Town chief executive Nigel Clibbens spells out what Town want from their new boss
Caretaker manager Mark Lillis will be in charge for Saturday’s lunchtime derby against Leeds United (12.30).
But it’s being suggested Wagner will watch the Sky Sports-televised derby from the John Smith’s Stadium stands.
After Leeds, the international break means Town don’t have another game until they go to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, November 21.
But it’s anticipated a new manager will be at he helm well before the Hillsborough visit.
Wagner, the son of an American, grew up in Germany and played for a string of clubs including Eintracht Frankfurt, Mainz and Schalke,
OPINION: The chairman takes calculated risks, the manager took none: Why Huddersfield Town lost faith in Chris Powell
He made eight appearances for the US national team and joined Dortmund in 2011.
It had been widely believed he would be joining Klopp.
But now West Yorkshire rather than Merseyside could be he destination.
READ: The reasons why Wagner should choose Huddersfield over life at Liverpool
The Reading stalemate left Town 18th in the table and Powell with a record of 15 wins, 21 draw and 22 losses from his 58 games in charge.
