Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim addresses Liverpool links after emerging as a leading candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp following Xabi Alonso's decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen

Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has addressed rumours linking him to the Liverpool manager job this summer.

The 39-year-old has become the frontrunner for the task of replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer, following Xabi Alonso's confirmation that he is staying with Bayer Leverkusen. 

But speaking after Friday's 2-1 win over Estrela Amadora, Amorim said that he was focusing on the domestic job with the club he has managed since 2020. 

When asked about a potential move to Liverpool, Amorim replied: 'Right now, I’m focused on Sporting. I’m very proud to be Sporting’s coach. We’re focused on winning titles. 

'You’ll see in the end. I have a contract and I’m very happy here. That’s the most important thing, more than contracts, I’m very happy here. 

'The focus is on beating Benfica in the Portuguese Cup.'

Sporting take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of the Benfica clash on Tuesday, with the victors progressing to the final. 

After winning the Primera Liga title in 2021, their first top-flight success in 19 years, Sporting could do it again this season, as the club are one point clear of their nearest rivals Benfica, with a game in hand.  

Last week, it was reported that Amorim's release clause with the Portuguese club is  just €15m (£12.8m), much lower than first believed. 

If Liverpool, or any other club, waited until the summer of 2025, that price would drop to €10m, or £8.5m, which would allow some movement on a potential deal. 

Amorim is currently under contract with Sporting Lisbon until 2026.

He has been likened to Jose Mourinho, so he would offer a different style to Klopp's.

Speaking on Friday about his decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso said: 'There has been a lot of speculation around my future, we have been busy and focused and I wanted the international break to reflect a bit better. 

'I had a very good meeting with the decision makers, and I decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. I feel this is the right place to develop as a coach. I have to feel it, and right now I feel this is the right place… my job is not over here.'

Klopp admitted he understands Alonso's decision, revealing: 'I had a similar situation and did pretty much the same and never regretted it. That's pretty much everything I can say. 

'Xabi is doing an incredible job there. Leverkusen has a really good team and could keep the team together next season.

'It doesn't happen every year like that. I understand that he wants to do that.'

Liverpool came from behind to beat Brighton on Sunday, which some viewed as an audition for Roberto de Zerbi, who has also been strongly linked to the Reds job.