Ruben Amorim continues to cool Liverpool speculation
- Amorim is a key target for Liverpool in the search for Jurgen Klopp's replacement
- Sporting CP boss has done his best to distance himself from reports
- Liverpool want a new manager wrapped up before the end of the season
By Tom Gott
Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has once again moved to distance himself from links to the Liverpool job, this time reminding fans he still has a contract with his current employers.
Liverpool want to wrap up the hiring of Jurgen Klopp's replacement before the end of the season and Amorim is seen as one of the top targets at this point, but he has consistently tried to keep the speculation away.
Having publicly denied to existence of an agreement with Liverpool, Amorim recently admitted he does not feel as though he is coming to the end of his story with Sporting, who are ten points clear at the top of the league and looking to seal their first title since 2021.
After Sunday's victory over Vitoria Guimaraes, Amorim was once again asked what the future holds for him.
"I have a contract," Amorim reminded fans. The 39-year-old is currently tied to Sporting until 2026 in a deal which includes a €20m release clause, but he does have a gentleman's agreement which would allow him to join a top European club for €10m.
He ended: "Nothing has changed. I'll be here next week."
Liverpool turned to Amorim after seeing top target Xabi Alonso confirm his desire to remain with Bayer Leverkusen.
Another target, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, has also ruled himself out of the running after signing a new contract with his current side.
Liverpool hope to offer formal interviews to at least three candidates as they prepare to make one of the biggest decisions in recent memory, and sources remain adamant that they have not yet decided on a favourite candidate.
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