Liverpool next manager: HUGE Ruben Amorim update as green light given

Ruben Amorim is favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool dugout - and it seems that Sporting CP are already preparing for life without their manager.

Liverpool's managerial search took an unexpected turn on Friday when it was confirmed that long-term priority target Xabi Alonso was set to remain at Bayer Leverkusen beyond this summer, having led the German outfit to the brink of a first ever Bundesliga title.

This has led to Reds to set their sights on Amorim, a similarly highly-rated, young manager who many are touting as the next Jose Mourinho.

Amorim guided Sporting to their first ever league title in 19 years in the 2020/21 season, and is currently leading yet another title challenge in Lisbon - with the Lions top of the table after 26 games.

And if reports are to be believed, Sporting seem prepared to lose their star gaffer this summer.

Amorim on the move?

According to The Times, Bayern Munich assistant manager Anthony Barry is being considered as the 39-year-old's replacement.

Barry, who is from Liverpool, is currently serving as Thomas Tuchel's number two in Bavaria after drumming up a relationship with the German during their spell at Chelsea.

Sporting's search for a new manager indicates that Liverpool have the green light to pursue a deal for Amorim, with the former Portuguese international possessing a relatively low release clause compared to what was initially believed - in the region of around £8m.

Should their pursuit of Amorim hit a roadblock, Roberto De Zerbi is another reported candidate to replace Klopp, but he is also linked with the soon-to-be vacant role at the Allianz Arena as Tuchel verges on departure.