Liverpool manager latest as Ruben Amorim 'interview expected' as search for Jurgen Klopp successor continues

Liverpool's search for Jurgen Klopp's successor is reportedly gathering pace as reports from Portugal claim the club's hierarchy have held talks with Ruben Amorim's representatives in recent days.

The 39-year-old has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Klopp at Anfield at the end of the season after Xabi Alonso revealed earlier this month that he would be staying at Bayer Leverkusen for the 2023-24 season at least.

Amorim, who is on the brink of guiding Sporting CP to a second league title since being appointed in March 2020, is contracted until 2026 and could reportedly command a fee in the excess of £10m if he were to leave the club at the end of the campaign.

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According to reports in Portugal, the Reds' pursuit of Amorim has already begun and a formal interview is expected to happen before the end of April.

"Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Amorim's representatives to gather further details to move forward with negotiations at the end of the season," reads a report in Mais Futebol.

"So far, there has been no contact with Ruben Amorim for an interview but that is expected to happen this month. Liverpool want to have a coaching team identified by May ahead of the 2024/25 season."

Former Benfica and Portugal midfielder Amorim guided Sporting to a 2-1 victory over his former club on Saturday night to put his side on the brink of just a second Liga Portugal title since 2002. However, speaking after the game, the 39-year-old was unable to commit his future to the Lisbon club as links to Liverpool continue.

"It wasn't talking about the future, I