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Liverpool have encountered a setback in their pursuit of Jürgen Klopp’s replacement, as the Reds have received a strong indication that Xabi Alonso is unlikely to be available, with the Spaniard now leaning towards staying at Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso was the clear favourites to succeed Klopp in the summer, following the German’s unexpected announcement to depart Anfield at the end of the season, concluding nearly nine years in charge.

With a distinguished history at Liverpool as a player from 2004 to 2009, Alonso’s managerial prowess has shone through in his second season at Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Under his guidance, Leverkusen have enjoyed an outstanding campaign, remaining unbeaten and holding a commanding 10-point lead at the top of the league.

Furthermore, they have progressed to the German cup semi-final and are on course to potentially face Liverpool in the Europa League final.

However, the Merseysiders have been dealt a huge blow as Alonso is strongly inclined to remain at Leverkusen, prompting Liverpool and other interested parties to explore alternative options for their managerial vacancy.

According to the Daily Mail, “Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is the leading candidate alongside Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.”

“Amorim, 39, will likely get an interview at Liverpool and it is believed he scored well on internal data tests.”

The online news portal earlier reported that “Sporting would demand a world-record fee in compensation and this will be around £25million if any club wanted to poach Amorim.”

Amorim, who retired from playing with Benfica in 2017, embarked on his coaching career with the Portuguese top-flight club Casa Pia in 2018.

Subsequently, he took on the role of ‘B’ team manager at Braga, where he gained experience in managing the youth squad.

In 2019, the 39-year-old was promoted to the position of the senior team’s head coach at Braga

A year later, in March 2020, he assumed the managerial role at Sporting.

Amorim Ruben’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, guiding Sporting to win the Primeira Liga title in 2021 and securing two Taca da Liga trophies.

Under his leadership, Sporting achieved second and fourth-place finishes in the last two seasons, earning qualification for the Champions League twice.

Sporting currently sit at the summit of the Liga Portugal with 65 points and have played a game less than second-placed Benfica.

Amorim meanwhile dismissed recent speculations linking him to the potential replacement of Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool.

“I’m not going to dwell on my future, I’ve already said what I had to say, he said via Record

“I just want to beat Rio Ave and then we’ll see.”

Read more: Liverpool dealt major Xabi Alonso blow

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