Ruben Amorim addresses Liverpool links as Sporting boss finds himself top target after Xabi Alonso snub

Ruben Amorim is keeping his cards close to his chest over links to the Liverpool manager's job.

The Portuguese is now the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after the German announced he's leaving at the end of the season, and former Reds star Xabi Alonso confirmed he will remain with Bayer Leverkusen next term. The Spaniard was tipped to take over but his call has forced a rethink on Merseyside. This means managing director of professional football Michael Edwards and incoming sporting director Richard Hughes are looking at other options, including Amorim.

After Sporting's win against Estrela Amadora, Amorim was asked if he might move to Anfield. He said: "Right now, I'm focused on Sporting. I'm very proud to be Sporting's coach. We're focused on winning titles. You'll see in the end. I have a contract and I'm very happy here. That's the most important thing, more than contracts, I'm very happy here. The focus is on beating Benfica in the Portuguese Cup."

If Amorim does want to move to Liverpool a release clause in his contract has been getting lower while he's been in charge of Sporting and this summer it's thought to be around £12.8million, reports the Mirror. The cost of prising Amorim away from Sporting Lisbon could drop to a mere £8.5m by 2025 - which is what the Portuguese side paid for him just two years ago, in 2020. His contract with them runs up until 2026.

Fulham's Joao Palhinha, who previously worked under the highly-rated coach, has already given his stamp of approval for a move to Liverpool. When quizzed in an interview with O Jogo about if Amorim could cope with the pressures of the Liverpool job, Fulham midfielder Palhinha responded: "Yes, of course, although the pressure is different. When you