4 incredible talents Liverpool could sign from Sporting CP amid Ruben Amorim links

Liverpool's hunt for a successor to Jurgen Klopp took an enormous turn on Thursday evening. 

It was reliably reported that former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso would not be taking over at Anfield after two months of speculation, with the Spaniard staying at Bayer Leverkusen instead.

As a result, there is a new favourite for the hot seat, with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim now topping Liverpool's wishlist.

The 39-year-old has achieved a lot in a short period of time, ending Sporting's 19-year wait for a Primeira Liga title in 2020/21, while also transforming the Lisbon side into a formidable competitor to Benfica and Porto once again.

Amorim has built an eye-catching squad at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, full to the brim with exciting talent across the pitch. It's hardly surprising that the Portuguese coach is so highly rated given the team he has managed to assemble on a relatively small budget.

Here are four players that could be fantastic signings for Liverpool this summer if Amorim replaces Klopp.

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GONCALO INACIO

A man that has seemingly been linked with Liverpool since the dawn of time, rumours touting the Reds with a move for Goncalo Inacio are only likely to ramp up in the coming months.

Anfield Watch understands that the Portuguese centre-back is a target for the Reds as they look to bolster the backline, with the 22-year-old boasting a £51.5m release clause in his current deal.

A left-footed defender capable of playing left-back, Inacio has shone in Amorim's three at the back system, even earning six caps for the Portugal national team to date.

Real Madrid are also interested in the defender, but he could favour a move to Liverpool and the Premier League if Amorim were to arrive at Anfield.

He's a name that Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on for some time and remains a leading candidate in the heart of defence for the Reds - even without Amorim at the helm.

VIKTOR GYOKERES

Viktor Gyokeres had established himself as a deadly goalscorer during his time with Coventry City in the Championship, but few could have expected such a meteoric rise when he arrived at Sporting.

£17m was enough to secure his services last summer off the back of 21 goals in 46 English second division appearances, but the Swede has made a mockery of that tally since moving to Portugal.

The robust and speedy striker has netted 36 goals and registered 14 assists in just 39 appearances in all competitions this season, helping fire Sporting to the top of the Primeira Liga table.

His ability to hold the ball up, play in the channels and find good shooting opportunities has enabled him to blossom into an even more prolific centre-forward, and the 25-year-old has admirers at Arsenal and Chelsea already.

With certain similar attributes to Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, Gyokeres already has a good understanding of English football and would be a superb option up top for the Reds - even if he has a reported £85m release clause in his deal.

PEDRO GONCALVES

Another one of Sporting's star performers over the past few seasons, Pedro Goncalves is a name that may be interesting a host of Europe's top clubs this summer.

The 25-year-old has been utilised in a wide range of positions by Amorim in Lisbon, including in central midfield and on both wings. However, his most recent displays have seen him take residence on the left flank.

The two-cap Portugal international has managed 55 goals and 36 assists across his last four league seasons at Sporting, including a 23-goal campaign during the 2020/21 season as Amorim guided Sporting to their first title in almost two decades.

Goncalves already has 30 goal contributions in 40 appearances this year and is Sporting's chief creator, with the most big chances and overall chances created of any Sporting player in the Primeira Liga this term.

Similarly to many of Sporting's stars, the attacker also has a release clause in his deal, with Aston Villa among the interested parties considering activating the £68m option. However, reports suggest that the Portuguese club would be willing to negotiate that fee.

OUSMANE DIOMANDE

Another Sporting defender who has made a big impression on Liverpool, Ousmane Diomande is reportedly one of the club's targets this summer - with a £69m release clause in his contract at present.

Anfield Watch have already looked at how Diomande could be a good fit at Anfield, with the 20-year-old having caught the eye for his impressive displays at such a young age.

Amorim has shown enormous faith in the Ivorian, who is one of Sporting's three starting centre-halves, with Diomande boasting a fantastic profile for a modern day defender.

Fast, aggressive and able to step out of defence with the ball at his feet, the youngster has his fair share of suitors, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United just some of the Premier League sides interested in his signature.

Diomande's healthy relationship with Amorim could certainly be fruitful if the Sporting boss makes the move to Merseyside, with Liverpool eager to recruit a centre-back this summer.