Ruben Amorim edges closer to succeeding Jurgen Klopp at  Liverpool, as disputed report claims it's ALREADY agreed, and Portuguese media name his release clause price after Xabi Alonso said no

Liverpool have reportedly made first contact with Sporting Lisbon over bringing boss Ruben Amorim to Anfield this summer.

The Reds are seeking a successor to Jurgen Klopp, who will end his nine-year reign on Merseyside this summer, hoping to sign off by winning the treble of the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup - which he lifted in February.

Liverpool had initially pursued their former midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen having led them to an unbeaten Bundesliga season and going 16 points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

However, Alonso turned down both Liverpool and another interested party in Bayern to pledge his allegiance to Leverkusen next year - leaving Amorim as the next favourite to take the Anfield hotseat. 

According to CNN, via O Jogo, the Reds have made initial contact with the 39-year-old manager and his representatives to 'assess the possibility of him leading the team next season'. 

The report adds that there have been no official talks between Liverpool and Sporting as of yet, though Amorim is aware of the Premier League club's interest in his services. 

It went on to say that discussions between the two clubs 'wouldn't be prudent as this point in the season' as Sporting focus on attempting to secure the Portuguese league championship. 

Sporting are four points clear of nearest rivals Benfica at the top of the league with a game in hand - and just seven games remain. 

O Jogo add that Amorim 'wants to take a step forward in his career' and that he would 'not think twice' about interest from 'one of the biggest clubs in the world'.

His contract expires in 2026 and has a release clause of around £17m (20m euros).

Meanwhile, a further report from Sky Germany has claimed that a three-year deal has already been reached between Liverpool and Amorim.

Mail Sport understands Liverpool have denied the links to Amorim after reporting last week that he was open to a Premier League job and was actively exploring coaching opportunities in England ahead of next season. 

Amorim - one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe - will not be short of admirers.  

Chelsea are long term admirers of Amorim but have distanced themselves from a summer move for the highly-rated coach amid doubts over the future of Mauricio Pochettino; while Manchester United may look be looking for a new manager amid uncertainty over INEOS’ commitment to Erik ten Hag. 

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also on the look out for a new boss with club legend Xavi leaving the Nou Camp, while Bayern Munich, who also wanted to appoint Alonso, are identifying replacements for the outgoing Thomas Tuchel. 

Amorim has refused to commit his future to Sporting beyond this season after being quizzed about the possibility of him leaving.

After being asked on Friday if he could follow Alonso and commit his future to his current employers, he 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.’