Liverpool make Amorim move as two outsiders emerge to rival Alonso for Reds job

02 March 2024 , 20:30

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Ruben Amorim has a glittering reputation in Portugal (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool had club representatives in Lisbon on Thursday to watch Ruben Amorim's Sporting side defeat Benfica 2-1 in the first leg of the Taca da Liga semi-finals.

The Reds are carrying out further due diligence on the Portuguese boss, who they're expected to interview for the hotseat even though Xabi Alonso is still considered the clear frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.

Liverpool are mindful high-coveted Alonso is also wanted by Bayern Munich while Bayer Leverkusen hope to keep hold of the Spaniard for at least another season as the Bundesliga leaders continue their three-pronged pursuit of silverware. Amorim, who made a positive impression upon Todd Boehly when he previously spoke with Chelsea in September 2022, reportedly has a release clause worth in the region of £8.5million and that figure has been drastically slashed in the past 12 months.

Anfield chiefs are now understood to have initiated contact with Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez to register their interest in his services but the formal interview process is not due to commence until Liverpool have a new sporting director in place. FSG still favour the return of former club favourite Michael Edwards but so far, attempts to bring him back to Merseyside have failed to bear fruit.

Back in January, FSG president Mike Gordon saw a formal approach politely rejected by Edwards, though its sources claim Liverpool are yet to throw in the towel as they believe their former chief is the perfect man to lead the new era without Klopp. Edwards could potentially be swayed if he is handed total control at Anfield.

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Ruben Amorim is an outside contender for the Liverpool job (Zbigniew Meissner/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Amorim has consistently played down talk of a summer exit and his current deal with Sporting does not expire until June 2026. The 39-year-old has won two Primeira Liga titles in Lisbon alongside two Taca da Ligas which he also lifted with Braga in 2020.

Much like Amorim, Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi is another name of particular interest. But the Seagulls hope to tie down the Italian to a new contract in the coming months with Barcelona also thought to be admirers of his work.

Speaking on Friday, De Zerbi reaffirmed his commitment to Albion, stating: "I have only Brighton in my head. I would like to finish the season in the best way with our young players - to compete and win as many games as we can.

]When pushed on whether he would still be at the club next season, he added: "Yes, I have a contract. I have decided nothing. My focus is on Brighton - 100 per cent."

Ryan Taylor