New Delhi

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has reached a verbal agreement in principle to join Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp, who departs at the end of the season, a Sky Germany report has claimed. Amorim has been in the hot seat to join the English club ever since Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso announced he was not moving to Merseyside to join his former club. 

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According to the publication, Amorim has discussed a three-year contract to join Liverpool, although a final deal was yet to be signed. Reports indicate that returning Michael Edwards has a big say in the signing of Amorim as the next manager.  

Amorim has been a hot pick for several clubs looking for a manager. Apart from Liverpool, the Portuguese has been on Barcelona and Bayern Munich's managerial shortlist as well.

'Can't say like Xabi' - Amorim

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Notably, on the eve of the Lisbon derby against Benfica, which Sporting ultimately won 2-1, Amorim gave the most clear hint that he was planning a move to Liverpool. 

The Portuguese said there was no guarantee that he will stay in Portugal beyond the season to oversee Sporting. 

"I cannot guarantee that I will stay at Sporting next season," Amorim said in a press conference when quizzed about his future. 

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"I can’t say that like Xabi Alonso did. We have time to discuss my future, we will do that at the right time," he added. 

Also read | Revealed! Here’s how much Liverpool would have to pay Sporting to land Ruben Amorim after Alonso snub

Amorim added if Sporting did not win any silverware this season, he would leave the club. 

“Sporting is already dealing with the future, I can’t decide. I gave my word and I can’t go back on it. If we don’t win titles, I’ll leave Sporting. It was clear from the start, it was the bet I passed on to the players. We have to win titles. First we’ll see if we can do it and then we’ll decide things."

Amorim has a release clause in his contract which means if Liverpool want to bring him to Anfield next season, they would have to simply trigger the clause. Amorim can be allowed to leave the Portuguese club for as little as $16 million when the release clause becomes active in the summer. The fee further drops to $10.5 million the following season.

Klopp leaves Liverpool at the end of the season after successful nine years at the helm. The club is currently involved in a three-leg title race whilst challenging for the Europa League where there is a high possibility that Alonso's Leverkusen could meet them in the final. 

(With inputs from agencies)