Liverpool Next Manager: Ruben Amorim speaks out on agreement claims

Ruben Amorim has denied that there is already an agreement in place for him to join Liverpool at the end of the season.

Amorim is the leading contender to replace Jurgen Klopp who will step down as Liverpool manager this summer.

Following Xabi Alonso's decision to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, the Sporting head coach has risen to become the new bookies' favourite.

The 39-year-old was among the list of names reportedly under consideration by Liverpool's FSG owners even before Alonso took himself out of contention, while he is highly regarded for his work in his native Portugal and has previously been linked with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester United.

According to reports this week, the Reds are stepping up their interest and have even held talks with the former midfielder's representatives about the terms of a switch to Anfield.

Sky Germany even claimed that there is a 'verbal agreement'  between Amorim and Liverpool. However, this has been widely refuted and it is understood that Amorim has had no direct meeting with Liverpool, while Sporting are also yet to be contacted.

Other reports say Liverpool are still in the process of assessing candidates and have not yet decided on Amorim.

No interview, no agreement

Asked about the latest rumours in his press conference ahead of a league match against Gil Vicente, Amorim was quick to dismiss the claims.

He said, via Cabine Desportiva: “This is the last time I’m going to talk about my future. There’s been no interview, let alone an agreement. The only thing we all want is to be champions with Sporting, and nothing will change.

“I’m Sporting’s coach. There’s been no interview with any club, no agreement with any club. I’m just focussed, as always, on defending my club. As I no longer have anything to say, there will be no interviews or agreements with the Sporting coach. That subject is completely settled, whether for this club or another.”

As expected, Amorim's immediate focus remains on Sporting's end to the season, with a league and cup double still to play for.

The Lisbon club went four points clear at the top of the table last weekend with a win over rivals Benfica, as Amorim chases his second title as manager.

However, in another recent press conference, the manager whose release clause reportedly stands at around £10m admitted he "cannot make any guarantees" over his future.