Ruben Amorim has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to become the next Liverpool manager.
Sky Sports in Germany claim that the Sporting Lisbon boss has discussed a three-year contract with Reds chiefs.
The report says that a deal is yet to be finalised between the two clubs as Liverpool seek to find a successor to Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp announced in January that he would be leaving Anfield at the end of the season after almost nine years at the club.
Liverpool news: Ruben Amorim has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the Reds
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Xabi Alonso was immediately installed as favourite to replace Klopp after his announcement.
However, the former midfielder has committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen after a stunning campaign in charge of the German side.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has also been discussed as a potential option for Liverpool.
But it now seems that Amorim has emerged as the leading contender for the vacancy.
Amorim was asked about his future at Sporting last week amid the links to both Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
But he was unable to commit to the club beyond the end of this season.
Amorim said: "No, I can’t guarantee that. I don’t want to be talking too much about my future.
"But I won’t argue or put any pressure on Sporting, I owe the club a lot."
Amorim, 39, is a former Portugal international who most notably played for Belenenses and Benfica.
He first stepped into management at Portuguese third-division side Casa Pia in 2018.
He had a spell in charge of Braga before taking over at Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
He won the Primeira Liga in his first full season at the helm and has also won the Portuguese Cup on two occasions.
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Liverpool news: Ruben Amorim is now the leading candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp
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Amorim would be taking over a hugely exciting squad if he is confirmed as the next Liverpool boss.
The Reds have already won the Carabao Cup this season and are well-placed to compete for their second Premier League title under Klopp.
Sunday's draw against rivals Manchester United left them level on points with leaders Arsenal, only behind on goal difference.
Liverpool are also in the quarter-final of the Europa League, where they face Italian side Atalanta on Thursday in the first leg.
Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp will leave the Reds at the end of the season
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Klopp has won seven major honours as Liverpool manager since replacing Brendan Rodgers in 2015.
He has led the club to three Champions League finals, winning one against Tottenham in 2019.
The Europa League is the only major trophy that has so far alluded the German.
