Barcelona 'race to appoint Amorim' after Xabi Alonso's remaining at Leverkusen

Barcelona are reportedly stepping up their attempts to appoint Ruben Amorim to succeed Xavi this summer.

The Spaniard is set to leave the Nou Camp after two-and-a-half years in the role, with the Barcelona icon sensationally announcing his intention to step down in January, amid a difficult run of form.

Several other clubs across the continent are also on the lookout for a new manager this summer, with vacancies already confirmed at Liverpool and Bayern Munich, while many other major sides may be looking to switch things up in the dugout.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso had been seen as several teams No 1 target after his stunning work in Germany, but the former Spain midfielder announced his intention to stay in his role for next season on Friday.

And, according to The Independent, this has dramatically altered the managerial market.

The report claims Barcelona had long been chasing Sporting boss Amorim as their top target and were seen as favourites for his signature.

However, following Alonso's decision, Amorim - who has won 145 of his 207 games in charge of Sporting - has emerged as the leading choice for several other European clubs, with Mail Sport reporting how Liverpool are now eyeing-up the Portuguese coach.

Many had felt that Alonso moving to either Bayern or the Reds, along with Amorim to Barcelona, was a done deal, but this has now been thrown up in the air.

This means Barcelona are no longer the favourites to bring in the 39-year-old, amid serious competition from elsewhere.

The report goes onto claim that one of the many reasons the Catalan giants had pursued Amorim was because they felt he was a realistic option, given the interest in Alonso.

With the club's well-documented financial problems, it was also