Liverpool Next Manager: Gabby Agbonlahor reveals UNLIKELY Ruben Amorim connection

It's harder to imagine a more unlikely footballing duo sharing a classroom than Gabby Agbonlahor and Ruben Amorim - but that is apparently just what happened.

The former Aston Villa forward and the frontrunner to be named the next Liverpool manager did their coaching badges together as part of a 'fast-track' course in Northern Ireland several years ago.

Agbonlahor revealed the tidbit on TalkSPORT, while claiming the Sporting CP head coach was 'on it' from the beginning.

"Funnily enough, I did my coaching badges with Ruben, we did the fast track, Northern Ireland, Belfast course," said Agbonlahor, discussing the potential future Reds coach.

"He was one that was like, he was on it mate. Some people might have had a little laugh and joke on the course and stuff, he was on it.

"Concentrating in every meeting, all the theory part, when you did the coaching stuff on the pitch you could tell that he was on it.

"I'm sure that was like five years ago, he's 39 now so he's quite a young manager but I don't see why not [he could become Liverpool manager], he's doing a great job at Sporting, isn't he?"

The course has clearly paid more dividends for Amorim than Agbonlahor.

The 37-year-old ex-Villa man has not yet moved into coaching, but has worked as a pundit since his retirement in 2018.

Amorim meanwhile took up his first management role in 2018 with third-division Portuguese side Casa Pia.

He later found success with Braga, where he won the Taça da Liga in 2020 and was appointed Sporting CP boss the same year.

In his four years in Lisbon, he has won the Taça da Liga twice and the Portuguese league in 2021, while his side are on for more honours this season.

Ruben Amorim Liverpool conversations

Following the news that Xabi Alonso is set to remain at Leverkusen for next season, Amorim has become the new bookies' favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer.

According journalist David Ornstein, 'conversations have taken place' regarding Amorim, though he is not the only target being examined internally at the club.