Liverpool ‘make first contact with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim’ as the Reds continue to search for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement after missing out on top target Xabi Alonso

Liverpool have reportedly made first contact with Sporting Lisbon over bringing boss Ruben Amorim to Anfield this summer.

The Reds are seeking a successor to Jurgen Klopp, who will end his nine-year reign on Merseyside this summer, hoping to sign off by winning the treble of the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup – which he lifted in February.

Liverpool had initially pursued their former midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen having led them to an unbeaten Bundesliga season and going 16 points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

However, Alonso turned down both Liverpool and another interested party in Bayern to pledge his allegiance to Leverkusen next year – leaving Amorim as the next favourite to take the Anfield hotseat. 

According to CNN, via O Jogo, the Reds have made initial contact with the 39-year-old manager and his representatives to ‘assess the possibility of him leading the team next season’. 

The 39-year-old has emerged as the top target to succeed departing boss Jurgen Klopp

The report adds that there have been no official talks between Liverpool and Sporting as of yet, though Amorim is aware of the Premier League club’s interest in his services. 

It went on to say that discussions between the two clubs ‘wouldn’t be prudent as this point in the season’ as Sporting focus on attempting to secure the Portuguese league championship. 

Sporting are four points clear of nearest rivals Benfica at the top of the league with a game in hand – and just seven games remain. 

O Jogo add that Amorim ‘wants to take a step forward in his career’ and that he would ‘not think twice’ about interest from ‘one of the biggest clubs in the world’.

His contract expires in 2026 and has a release clause of around £17m (20m euros).

Meanwhile, a further report from Sky Germany has claimed that a three-year deal has already been reached between Liverpool and Amorim.

However, the same report adds that sources in Liverpool have refuted the claims. 

Mail Sport reported last week that Amorim was open to a Premier League job and was actively exploring coaching opportunities in England ahead of next season. 

However, while Liverpool will be alerted to his possible availability, Amorim – one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe – will not be short of admirers.  

Chelsea are long term admirers of Amorim but have distanced themselves from a summer move for the highly-rated coach amid doubts over the future of Mauricio Pochettino; while Manchester United may look be looking for a new manager amid uncertainty over INEOS’ commitment to Erik ten Hag. 

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also on the look out for a new boss with club legend Xavi leaving the Nou Camp, while Bayern Munich, who also wanted to appoint Alonso, are identifying replacements for the outgoing Thomas Tuchel. 

Amorim has refused to commit his future to Sporting beyond this season after being quizzed about the possibility of him leaving.

After being asked on Friday if he could follow Alonso and commit his future to his current employers, he said: ‘No, I can’t guarantee that. I don’t want to be talking too much about my future. But I won’t argue or put any pressure on Sporting, I owe the club a lot.’