Liverpool will push ahead with plans to make Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim their next manager with Xabi Alonso set to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso had been the club’s top target to replace Jurgen Klopp, who will step down from his role at the end of the current campaign.
The Spaniard has led Bayer Leverkusen within reach of a maiden Bundesliga title this season and is well-admired at Anfield for both his coaching credentials and five-season spell with the Reds as a player.
However, there is an expectation that Alonso will remain at Leverkusen this summer despite interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich and the Merseysiders will move on in their search for a new manager.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Ruben Amorim is now the leading candidate, though the 39-year-old is not the only option being considered.
However, the Portuguese coach has impressed the Liverpool board with the returning Michael Edwards and incoming Sporting Director Richard Hughes admirers of his work at Estádio José Alvalade.
Amorim led Sporting to a first Primeira Liga title in 19 years during the 2021/22 season and has guided the club to the top of the table again this season.
His principles in implementing intensity to win the ball back high up the pitch appear an ideal fit to replace Klopp, despite the difference in his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
Barcelona have also been linked with Amorim, though could be dissuaded by a rumoured release clause of €30m – a fee which would represent a record for a manager.
