Liverpool have reportedly identified Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim as their priority target to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.

The Reds were previously said to be favouring Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso as their number one option to succeed Klopp, who announced in January that he would vacate his position in the summer.

Alonso has enjoyed significant success during his time with the German club, leading them to the top of the Bundesliga table as well as the Europa League quarter-finals and the DFB-Pokal semi-finals.

However, Liverpool had resigned themselves to missing out on Alonso after it emerged he would be staying at the BayArena for the 2024-25 campaign.

After being linked with a number of major European clubs, Alonso told reporters on Friday that he has taken the decision to remain in his current post with Levekusen.

Amorim emerges as new favourite

With Alonso set to remain with Leverkusen, Liverpool will have to look elsewhere in their search to find Klopp's successor.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds have now identified Sporting's Amorim as their top target to lead the team into next season.

Amorim is under contract with the Portuguese giants until the summer of 2026 after signing a four-year deal in November 2022.

However, his deal reportedly contains a €15m (£12.3m) release clause, which will become active at the end of the season.

The report suggests that Amorim's style of play as well as his success in Portugal have made him an attractive proposition to Liverpool.

Since becoming Sporting boss in the summer of 2020, Amorim has won a Primeira Liga title, two Taca da Liga trophies and a Portuguese Super Cup.

The 39-year-old is hoping to collect more silverware this season, with his side currently sitting one point clear of Benfica at the top of the league table.

They also have the edge over Benfica in the Taca de Portugal semi-finals after claiming a 2-1 victory in the first leg earlier this month.

Liverpool will also be considering alternative options to Amorim, with Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi still among the names being linked with the manager's job at Anfield.

However, the Reds will be looking to get the better of the Brighton manager when they take on the Seagulls in Sunday's Premier League clash at Anfield. body check tags ::