Ruben Amorim is the frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer after ex-Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso confirmed he is staying at Bayer Leverkusen
Sporting Lisbon are braced for a player exodus if coach Ruben Amorim quits for Liverpool.
The 39-year-old is the frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer after ex-Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso confirmed he is staying at Bayer Leverkusen.
Sporting won 1-0 away at Famalicao this week to move seven points at the top of the Portuguese league with five games left to play. Amorim’s side, who are also in next month’s Portugal Cup final, are on course for an historic double.
Their stunning season has been spearheaded by a trio of in-form stars who are all in demand by Premier League clubs. Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, 25, who has 37 goals this term for club and country, is wanted by Arsenal. While defenders Ousmane Diomande, 20, and Goncalo Inacio, 22, are both highly-sought after too.
Ivory Coast international Diomande has been on Newcastle ’s wish-list since last year. Portugal international stopper Inacio is a long-term target for Liverpool and could potentially join Amorim at Anfield this summer.
The star trio all have buy-out clauses with Gyokeres available for £86million, Diomande £68m and Inacio £51m. However, suitors are expected to test the water with lower initial bids if Amorim goes.
The Sporting boss is continuing to play down the links suggesting that he will succeed Klopp, although noise around his expected departure is getting louder.
When recently asked whether he thought fans would rather win the Portuguese title for him to stay, he said: “Both, even my son asks for both things. The important thing is for Sporting to be champions. That is what the fans want and that is what we are fighting for.”
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
