5 Sporting CP players that could follow Ruben Amorim to Liverpool this summer

Liverpool's hunt for their next manager goes on. 

The Reds have had to target alternatives after being turned down by former player and current Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim now the front-runner to succeed Jurgen Klopp this summer.

The 39-year-old has worked wonders in Lisbon and is on course to do the domestic double this season, with the Portuguese coach the odds-on favourite for the Anfield dugout with the bookies.

Liverpool's interest in Amorim has, rather unsurprisingly, seen many of Sporting's most talented stars linked with following the coach to Merseyside in the upcoming transfer window.

While Liverpool are yet to confirm their new coach, here are five players that the Reds would be happy to see follow Amorim to Anfield this summer.

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MARCUS EDWARDS

Liverpool could well be one of the clubs interested in bringing Marcus Edwards back to England this summer.

The 25-year-old winger began his career at Tottenham before being released in 2019, following which he would join Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes in 2019 and then Sporting in 2022.

The exciting attacker has impressed since the move to Portugal and has certainly thrived under Amorim's tutelage, with six goals and eight assists in all competitions this season.

He's a player that has been linked with the Premier League in recent windows and he has put in some promising displays in the Europa League, including against Arsenal last season.

With Liverpool expected to target wingers this summer, Edwards could be a fairly cost-effective solution, while also classing as a homegrown  talent.

PEDRO GONCALVES

Another winger that has dazzled under Amorim is Pedro Goncalves.

The 25-year-old has actually 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, or sometimes as a number ten.

Goncalves has provided 74 goals and 49 assists across his 171 appearances for Sporting since a move in 2020, and he was briefly on the books at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He is one of Amorim's favourites and already has 31 goal contributions in all competitions this season, as well as producing 28 combined goals and assists during Sporting's title-winning campaign in 2020/21.

He also leads the Sporting team for chances (54) and big chances (17) created in the Primeira Liga this term, as well as assists (11).

His versatility and eye for goal make him an outstanding asset for Sporting, although he does have an eye-watering £68m release clause in his current contract - one that Aston Villa considered triggering in past windows.

VIKTOR GYOKERES

Sticking with attackers, Sporting currently boast the form number nine in European football in Viktor Gyokeres.

Having made the move from Coventry City to Lisbon last summer, the Swede immediately hit the ground running under Amorim and has produced a staggering 36 goals and 16 assists for Sporting in just 43 appearances this season.

The physical, pacy and clinical centre-forward has sparkled in a Sporting team that funnels the ball into his path, with the striker now unsurprisingly attracting interest from Europe's biggest clubs.

Chelsea and Arsenal are among those that have been touted with an interest in Gyokeres - who has an £86m release clause in his contract - but he would certainly be a good fit at Liverpool next season.

There is no questioning his talent or his ability to handle the physicality of English football, with Gyokeres' agent having cited Amorim as a major influence in his client's decision to choose Sporting over other suitors.

GONCALO INACIO

A player that was linked with Liverpool long before rumours began regarding Amorim, Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio remains a player regularly touted with a move to Merseyside.

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 contract.

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.

He has good technical qualities, with the ability to drive forward from a deep defensive position and spray passes across the pitch.

Real Madrid are also interested in the defender, but Amorim's potential Anfield move could give Liverpool an edge over the Spanish giants.

OUSMANE DIOMANDE

Inacio is not the only Sporting defender that has been linked with Liverpool, with one of his centre-back partners having also caught the Reds' eye according to numerous reports.

Anfield Watch have already looked at how Ousmane Diomande could be a good fit at Anfield, with the 20-year-old having attracted attention due to his impressive displays at such a young age.

The 20-year-old does have a £69m release clause and Liverpool are unlikely to be the only club keeping tabs on him heading into the summer window.

Fast, aggressive and able to step out of defence with the ball at his feet, the youngster has his fair share of suitors, but his positive relationship with Amorim might make Liverpool a more appealing option should the Portuguese coach join the Reds.