Liverpool-linked head coach Ruben Amorim has identified three players that he would like to sign should he succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, according to a report.
The Merseysiders are on the lookout for a new manager after Klopp announced in January that he will be stepping down from his post at the end of the season.
Amorim is currently in charge of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon where he has managed 215 games over the last three-and-a-half years.
However, recent reports have claimed that the 39-year-old has verbally agreed to take the reins at Liverpool in the summer, with a three-year contract said to be on the table.
Amorim has insisted that he is fully focused on duties at Sporting, who currently sit four points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga table - thanks to a 2-1 win over second-placed Benfica last weekend - with seven games remaining.
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Amorim to raid Sporting for two defenders and one midfielder?
However, according to Portuguese news outlet Jornal Noticias, via The Sun, Amorim has already identified three players who he would like to bring with him to Anfield ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The report claims that centre-back duo Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande are two 'top targets' who could reinforce Liverpool's injury-hit defence.
Amorim is said to be keen to lure both Inacio, 22, and Diomande, 20, to Liverpool as well as maintain the services of club captain Virgil van Dijk, who is out of contract in June 2025.
An addition in midfield could also be on the cards, as the report adds that Amorim has an interest in recruiting 24-year-old Morten Hjulmand.
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Liverpool set for busy summer transfer window?
Amorim's alleged interest in signing both Inacio and Diomande comes at a time when Joel Matip is facing an uncertain future at the club – the 32-year-old is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and is out of contract at the end of the season.
Ibrahima Konate's fitness is also thought to be a concern, so central-defensive reinforcements could be a priority for Amorim, who has adopted a three-at-the-back system with Sporting.
Ignacio and Diomande are two highly sought-after ball-playing defenders who have been a key part of Sporting's recent success; the former has already played 163 times for the club, while the latter - who has also been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea - is closing in on 50 appearances since joining in January last year.
Liverpool oversaw a major midfield refresh last summer, but they are set to part ways with another this summer as injury-plagued Thiago Alcantara has less than three months remaining on his contract, and there are no signs to suggest that he will be offered a new deal.
His potential departure could see the Reds step up their pursuit of Denmark international Hjulmand, who has recorded four goals and four assists in 43 appearances for Sporting this season since joining from Lecce last summer.
Hjulmand, who was linked with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year, has over four years remaining on his Sporting contract and is believed to be valued at around £65m.
Oliver Thomas
