Sporting CP could play hardball over Liverpool's Ruben Amorim negotiations

Sporting CP could look to complicate Liverpool's interest in manager Ruben Amorim in the hope of extracting a higher compensation fee from the Reds, understands.

With Xabi Alonso publicly confirming his decision to remain with Bayer Leverkusen beyond this season, Amorim has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp when he steps down this summer.

Amorim's contract with Sporting includes a release clause worth €20m (£17.1m) for non-Portuguese sides, but sources indicate there is a gentleman's agreement between club and manager which will see Amorim allowed to leave for just €10m (£8.6m) if a 'top European side' makes an offer.

It is the definition of 'top European side' which could complicate any approach from Liverpool. Multiple Sporting claim it refers to any club in a top-five league who are playing Champions League football, and while Liverpool are almost certain to qualify for the competition next season, they are not currently a Champions League side, with last season's struggles leaving them in the Europa League this year.

Should Liverpool approach Sporting now, the Portuguese side could potentially argue that Liverpool do not meet their criteria for a 'top European side' and try to get closer to €15m for Amorim's departure. It is unlikely, given a good relationship between Sporting and Liverpool, that triggering the €20m clause will be necessary.

Liverpool could, of course, just trigger Amorim's release clause to bypass all negotiations with Sporting but they are expected to try and negotiate if they do proceed.

Despite some reports to the contrary, Liverpool sources insist they have not yet reached an agreement with Amorim over personal terms and no candidate in their search to replace Klopp has yet had