Liverpool are eyeing Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp, according to renowned Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari.
Longari claims that Alonso is the Reds’ No.1 choice to replace Klopp but Amorim “stands out” as a backup option.
“Liverpool evaluations in progress for the bench. Many candidates in the running, the first on the list of Liverpool is Xabi Alonso,” he posted on X.
“Among the alternatives taken into consideration by Liverpool, the name of Ruben Amorim currently managing Sporting stands out.”
Klopp will step down as Liverpool boss at the end of the current season alongside his trusted assistants Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos.
The departure of these key figures signals the end of an era for the Merseysiders.
Several managers have been linked with the Liverpool job, and according to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha, Amorim is a target for the Reds.
Liverpool would need to pay Sporting €20 million (£17 million) to bring the 39-year-old to Anfield. His current contract runs until the summer of 2026.
Amorim, who retired from playing with Benfica in 2017, began his coaching career with Portuguese top-flight club Casa Pia in 2018 before taking on the role of ‘B’ team manager at Braga.
He was promoted to the position of senior team head coach in 2019 and, a year later, assumed the managerial role at Sporting in March 2020.
Amorim guided the club to win the Primeira Liga title in 2021 as well as two Taca da Liga trophies and subsequently led Sporting to second and fourth-place finishes in the last two seasons, earning qualification for the Champions League twice.
Sporting are second in Liga Portugal after 19 games, two points behind leaders Benfica who have played a game more.
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