What Bruno Fernandes has said about Liverpool target Ruben Amorim

Liverpool managerial target Ruben Amorim has already been endorsed by Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Following Xabi Alonso's decision to remain at Bayer Leverkusen next season, Sporting CP head coach has risen to the top of the pile of contenders to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer.

According to reports in Portugal, the Reds' hierarchy has already held talks with Amorim's representatives regarding a prospective move, with a three-year contract offer on the table for the 39-year-old.

Less well known than some of the other major candidates for the job, Amorim is highly rated for his work in his homeland.

The former midfielder won the Portuguese equivalent of the League Cup while at Braga, before taking over Sporting where he has lifted the league title and two more League Cups in the last three years.

He could well end the season with more silverware as his league leaders chase a domestic double.

One man who knows Amorim well is United captain Fernandes.

A former Sporting player, though never crossed paths with Amorim during his time in Lisbon, Fernandes described the former midfielder as having 'all the qualities' to succeed in England.

"If he really takes the next step – I hope he stays at Sporting – but if he takes the next step, I think all the qualities are there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football," Fernandes told SportTV during the March international break.

"Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities [to succeed in England] are there and he has everything to take the next step, in my opinion. But it will depend on the clubs, the directors, whether they want to pay the Sporting’s release clause or not."

'He won’t stay in Portugal much longer'

Fernandes is not the only Portuguese Premier League star to have heaped praise on Liverpool's possible next manager.

Fulham's Joao Palhinha, who did play under Amorim at Sporting before moving to England, has also recently talked up his old boss' qualities.

"Ruben is a coach with a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal. He has done an excellent job since Braga," Palhinha told O Jogo. "He has in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players.

‘The way he is growing, he won’t stay in Portugal much longer. It will not be for lack of opportunities that he will not leave Portugal.

"He dreams and aims to win another title with Sporting and then the future will be in his hands."