Ruben Amorim to Liverpool heats up as key contract details CONFIRMED

Ruben Amorim is now the hot favourite to become the next manager of Liverpool following the news that Xabi Alonso will not leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Amorim is odds-on with bookmakers to replace Jurgen Klopp, and the latest reports coming out of Portugal suggest the smart money is very much on the Sporting CP coach leaving Lisbon for Merseyside in the coming months.

As Amorim prepares his table-topping Sporting side for a crucial Lisbon derby vs Benfica this weekend, the rumour mill continues to go into overdrive, with one prominent Portuguese journalist now confirming key details of Liverpool's pursuit of the 39-year-old.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim ticks more Liverpool boxes than Xabi Alonso ever did - Sam McGuire

Pedro Sepulveda spoke to Sky Sports News to give the inside track on the latest news from Portugal, and it does appear to be good news for Liverpool fans who want Amorim installed as Klopp's successor.

Amorim IS favourite to replace Klopp

He revealed: "Yes, absolutely, I think Liverpool's shortlist was Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorin. Xabi Alonso as we know is out of the race for the job.

"I think Liverpool all their efforts on Ruben Amorim because I would say that in terms of contract for the coach it's not a big deal for them. Ruben Amorim nowadays receives something like €3million net plus bonus in Sporting - I'm pretty sure that Liverpool can make a better offer for him in terms of financial conditions."

How much will Amorim cost Liverpool?

While personal terms between Liverpool and Amorim might not be a concern, the Reds would have to agree a settlement with Sporting to get the coach out of his current contract.

READ MORE: How Liverpool could line up under Ruben Amorim next season

Sepulveda claimed: "The thing is, I think that Liverpool is going to fight a little bit with Sporting for the amount for the transfer. But I think that the deal could be done for around €15million."