Liverpool will reportedly have to fork out €20 million (£17m/$22m) to meet Ruben Amorim's release clause at Sporting CP this summer.

With Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool this summer, the Reds have been linked with a move for the Sporting manager and that interested has intensified since previous top target Xabi Alonso committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen. Now, Footmercato claims the Reds are already in talks to land the 39-year-old, who has a £17m release clause that applies to foreign clubs.

Liverpool are desperately trying to find the right successor to Klopp after a hugely successful spell at Anfield that brought with it seven trophies to date. Finding a suitable replacement could be key in maintaining their success and keeping their best players, too.

The Reds have had contact with Amorim's agent, who also represents Reds winger Luis Diaz, and the coach is reportedly interested in a move to Merseyside but wants to concentrate on leading Sporting to success this season.

While the rumours will continue to circle around Amorim and who will replace Klopp at Liverpool, his Sporting side host Benfica in a top of the table clash on Saturday night, looking to open up a four-point gap on their bitter rivals in Liga Portugal.