Liverpool have not yet reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim over replacing Jurgen Klopp, according to a report.
The Merseysiders are searching for a new boss after Klopp announced in January that his memorable eight-and-a-half-year reign at Anfield will come to an end at the conclusion of the season.
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was strongly tipped to succeed Klopp, but the Spaniard has since confirmed that he will remain with Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen next season.
The Reds have since been linked with a host of managers in recent weeks, with multiple reports stating that they have identified 39-year-old Amorim as their primary alternative to Alonso.
A recent report claimed that Amorim has verbally agreed to join Liverpool in the summer, with a three-year contract said to be on the table.
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Liverpool taking their time to appoint Klopp successor?
However, according to BBC Sport, Liverpool are yet to reach a verbal agreement with Amorim and their search to find a successor to Klopp goes on.
The report adds that the Reds are 'undertaking a thorough and robust process' and that includes extensive research and due diligence around several possible candidates.
It has been clamed that Liverpool have no intention of providing regular updates on their search for a new manager and suggestions that a preferred candidate has already been identified are 'wholly inaccurate'.
Liverpool's hierarchy can focus on their search for a new manager now that they have confirmed the return of ex-Reds sporting director Michael Edwards as their new CEO of Football, and the arrival of Richard Hughes who has agreed to become their new sporting director in the summer.
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Who else has been linked with Liverpool job?
Earlier this year, Liverpool were credited with an interest in Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi, who is believed to be facing an uncertain future with the Seagulls.
However, it is understood that the Reds have now cooled their interest in the Italian, who has now emerged as leading target for Bayern Munich.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has also been linked with Liverpool, but the 36-year-old is allegedly unwilling to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Klopp at Anfield.
Two Premier League managers who have previously been linked with a summer switch to Liverpool are Tottenham Hotspur's Ange Postecoglou and Brentford's Thomas Frank, but neither coach is thought to be high on the Reds' radar at present.
Oliver Thomas
