Ruben Amorim is the leading alternative to Xabi Alonso for Liverpool as the club conduct their search for a new head coach.
Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down at Liverpool at the end of the season has left the Reds in search of a new direction after almost a decade under the German’s management.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso has been installed as the early favourite for the position, having impressed during his first senior coaching role.
The Spaniard’s side are unbeaten in 32 games across all competitions this season and sit eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table, with Leverkusen closing in on a maiden German title.
Alonso spent five years of his playing career at Liverpool and remains a popular figure at Anfield, though Bayern Munich are also interested in the 42-year-old.
Thomas Tuchel will leave his position with the German champions at the end of the campaign and Alonso is attracting interest from the Allianz Arena.
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is considered the top alternative to Alonso should the Reds miss out on the in-demand coach. The Independent claim Amorim’s impressive transformation of Sporting, who he led to a first league title in 19 years in 2020/21, has won admirers at Anfield.
The 39-year-old is considered one of the best young coaches in Europe and has previously been linked with Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Sporting are currently second in the Primeira Liga title race, level on points with leaders Benfica with a game in hand on their Lisbon rivals.
Read – Champions League last 16: Four things we learned
See more – Five players who impressed in the Champions League this week