Liverpool keeping close eye on Ruben Amorim - but Xabi Alonso still favourite

Liverpool have reportedly sent representatives to watch Sporting C.P. manager Ruben Amorim as they narrow down their list of candidates to replace Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp's deified nine-year stint at Anfield will come to an end in the summer, after the German revealed back in January that he was 'running out of energy'.

Names regularly touted to replace the Premier League and Champions League winner have been Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso and Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi.

However, another man that's said to be considered for the post in 39-year-old Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

With his side second in Liga Portugal, the Mirror claim Liverpool are in the thick of additional due diligence before inviting the former Portuguese international to interview for the role.

Reds scouts were said to be in attendance as Sporting beat league-leading rivals Benfica 2-1 in the first leg of their Taca de Portugal semi-final.

Amorim was initially thought to have had a release clause in his contract worth an estimated £8.5m, but this figure is believed to have been slashed significantly.

While the Sporting head coach appears to be well in the running, the fan's choice in Xabi Alonso remains the frontrunner to succeed Klopp in the Liverpool dugout.

The Daily Mail previously reported that Liverpool had reached out to Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez, with Leverkusen chiefs directly informed about the club's approach for their table-topping manager.

Sky Germany are also claiming that Alonso will have no issue leaving the German outfit if an offer arrives, revealing that Leverkusen have verbally promised not to stand in the way of the Spaniard as long as they are offered suitable compensation.

With Alonso's contract in Germany set to expire in 2026, any potential suitor looking to acquire his services could have to pay up to €25million (£21.4m) to buy him out.