Liverpool have reportedly reached a verbal agreement over the managerial appointment of Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.
The Premier League giants have been scrambling to find a successor for Jurgen Klopp ever since the German revealed in January that he would be departing Anfield at the end of the season.
Xabi Alonso initially looked like being the most probable successor until the former midfielder announced that he would be remaining at Bayer Leverkusen for at least another year.
That has since led to Liverpool officials looking to acquire an alternative, with the likes of Amorim and Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi each being moved further up their shortlist.
However, it appears that the Merseyside outfit have made the decision to progress forward with an approach for Amorim, despite the sizeable release clause in his contract.
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What progress has reportedly been made?
Over the past 48 hours, it has been suggested that Amorim has been presented with an offer to move to the Anfield dugout from the summer onwards.
While it has not been alleged whether Liverpool have indicated if they are willing to pay his set release clause, which is reportedly anywhere between £12.6m and £17m, the assumption is that they would do what is necessary to finalise a deal should they so wish.
According to Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, Liverpool have made further progress in their attempts to secure the 39-year-old's signature.
Plettenberg alleges that there is a verbal agreement in place between the two parties and that Amorim is keen to move to Liverpool for 2024-25.
Furthermore, a three-year contract is said to be on the table, and seems likely to be signed if Liverpool can finalise negotiations with Sporting.
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Amorim currently focused on winning silverware at Sporting
In the short term, Amorim is looking to win a second Primeira Liga title with Sporting, with his side currently sitting four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
On May 26, Sporting are also due to participate in the Taca de Portugal final, giving Amorim the chance of a domestic double.
With regards to De Zerbi, Liverpool are said to have cooled their interest in the Italian, despite his public comments regarding his future at the Amex Stadium.
While Brighton have enjoyed a solid season in their own right, as well as pushing Liverpool in the Premier League at the end of last month, the Seagulls sit in 10th position in the standings.
Darren Plant
