Liverpool could find themselves drawn against one of the managers tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp when they return to Europa League action next month.
Having finished top of Group E in the group-stages, the Reds are not competing in the knockout round play-offs - which got underway on Thursday. Instead, having already booked their place in the round-of-16, they will have one eye on the latest round as they await to see who they could face next.
And with the first legs of such ties now complete, Liverpool are one step closer to finding out who they could face in the round-of-16.
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Sporting Lisbon are one potential opponent, with the Portuguese outfit well-placed to progress having won 3-1 away at Young Boys on Thursday night. Should they knock out the Swiss side and end up drawn against the Reds, Liverpool will be granted a closer look at one reported managerial target and a number of speculated transfer targets.
Ruben Amorim has been linked with replacing Klopp at Anfield, with the German confirmed to be stepping down as manager, and continues to impress at Sporting since taking over as head coach in March 2020.
He won the 2020/21 Primeira Liga with the club, as well as the Taca da Liga in both 2021 and 2022. Meanwhile, Sporting are currently competing for the Portuguese title once again, with Amorim’s side currently second in the table, level on points with leaders Benfica but behind them on head-to-head points, while boasting a game-in-hand.
They will also face Benfica in the Taca de Portugal semi-finals, with Europa League participation
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