According to one European journalist, Liverpool now have only one candidate in mind to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager.

It’s nearly three months since the German announced that he’d be leaving at the end of this season, with plenty of speculation in the meantime as to who’ll take over from him.

Portuguese reporter Pedro Sepulveda took to social media on Monday afternoon to share his latest information on Ruben Amorim, the Sporting Lisbon boss who’s currently the firm favourite for the job at Anfield.

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The journalist tweeted: “Rúben Amorim is the only name on Liverpool’s table to be the next coach, today. All the others are fake news and aim to divert attention from the negotiations taking place with Amorim’s agent. Still no contacts with @SportingCP.”

Rúben Amorim is the only name on Liverpool's table to be the next coach, today. All the others are fake news and aim to divert attention from the negotiations taking place with Amorim's agent. Still no contacts with @SportingCP . pic.twitter.com/ZLqFvQtFFt

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) April 15, 2024

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While journalists such as Sepulveda and Pete O’Rourke have cited Amorim as the clear favourite to take over at Liverpool, the 39-year-old moved quickly to shoot down rumours that he’d met with Anfield chiefs and has already agreed to replace Klopp.

It seems unlikely that Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and co wouldn’t have made some moves behind the scenes regarding managerial candidates, now that the season is just five weeks from ending, although they may be tactful in not approaching managers directly during the run-in to the campaign.

The Sporting boss still has plenty on the line, with his side striving to win a second league title in four years, so any discussions for now could indeed be solely between LFC and his representatives.

At the moment it seems very much as if Amorim is the frontrunner and could be in charge of Liverpool next season, but it could take another few weeks for a discernible breakthrough to materialise, with the Anfield hierarchy likely to be careful not to disrupt him or his club during such a pivotal period.

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According to one source from Portugal, Liverpool may have just been given a significant boost in their pursuit of one manager to potentially replace Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have been strongly linked with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim as they continue to seek the right candidate to take over from the German at the end of this season.

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On Friday afternoon, Pedro Sepulveda – a senior reporter at SIC Notícias – took to X to share a quote from the 39-year-old, who said: “I can’t guarantee that I’ll stay at Sporting…”.

The journalist declared in the same post that Liverpool are ‘pushing to close the deal’ for the Sporting manager ‘before the end of the season’.

Rúben Amorim just said: " I can't guarantee that I'll stay at Sporting… "

@LFC is pushing to close the deal before the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/FiTcsdOZaT

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) April 5, 2024

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In sharp contrast to Xabi Alonso publicly reaffirming his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen amid heavy links with Liverpool, Amorim’s declaration carries the air of an open invitation for prospective suitors to come and get him.

We don’t think his bosses in Lisbon will be overly pleased with what he’s had to say, and it’s inevitable that such comments will only fuel speculation about him potentially leaving the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the near future.

It could certainly come as quite a boost to the Anfield hierarchy amid their reported pursuit of the 39-year-old, and if they can secure his services before the end of the current campaign, it’d ensure a welcome clarity going into the summer transfer window, and indeed into next season.

As we saw with Alonso’s curveball last Friday, it’d be unwise to jump the gun when it comes to Liverpool’s manager search. In truth, it could be another couple of months before we know for sure who’ll be tasked with building upon Klopp’s game-changing legacy.

However, this update from Sepulveda indicates a step in the right direction in terms of Amorim potentially getting the job.

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Many Liverpool fans hadn’t heard the name Ruben Amorim several months ago but now he’s quickly becoming one of the most hotly tipped options for Jurgen Klopp’s job.

Speaking on Sky Sports about the talents of the Sporting Lisbon man, Pedro Sepulveda said: “Liverpool [under Amorim] will play an offensive football.

“If you see of the last teams of Ruben Amorim they scored many goals but they don’t concede that much goals.”

READ MORE: Liverpool fans will be intrigued to hear Amorim’s two-word response to his managerial future

It seems like an impressive combination to be able to score goals and not concede them, something which would be interesting to see at Anfield.

We’re a long way off anything being confirmed yet though and so let’s not get too excited about the 39-year-old just yet.

You can watch Sepulveda comments on Amorim (from 2:43) via Sky Sports News on YouTube:

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Liverpool are in the midst of both a dramatic title race and a hunt for a new manager, leading to some intense speculation for who will be our next boss.

One of the most hotly tipped options is Ruben Amorim and it’s not hard to see why when we see quotes like the ones shared by Pedro Sepulveda on his X account:

‘ Journalist: ” Could the final of the Portuguese Cup be your last game as @SportingCP’s coach ? “

‘ Rúben Amorim: “We’ll see…” ’

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It’s two words that do little to remove speculation that he will be heading to Anfield this summer, or is at least interested in the prospect of accepting an offer.

Sporting Lisbon are in the midst of a title race themselves and this response is far from Xabi Alonso’s pledge of loyalty to Bayer Leverkusen.

The 39-year-old is keeping his options open and whilst Michael Edwards has time to select several candidates to interview for the role, it seems safe to suggest the former Braga coach will be among the interviewees.

READ MORE: Lijnders named one of ‘biggest influences’ by important member of Klopp’s leadership group

For now, we can put this discussion on the back burner and allow our on-field matters to take priority whilst we pursue a perfect end to the campaign.

We owe it to Jurgen Klopp that our full focus should be on helping his side achieve their dreams and provide him the fairtyale send-off.

You can view the Amorim update via @pedromsepulveda on X:

Journalist: " Could the final of the Portuguese Cup be your last game as @SportingCP 's coach ? "

Rúben Amorim: "We'll see…"

@LFC is leading the race. Negotiations are taking place. pic.twitter.com/rYduSD8JrM

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) April 2, 2024

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Liverpool’s reported interest in Fluminense’s Andre has been confirmed as genuine following a tweet from Pedro Sepulveda.

The Portuguese reporter tweeted that the 22-year-old Fluminense star carries a price tag in excess of £17m; an affordable asking price one might venture.

André não será reforço do @SportingCP . @FluminenseFC quer mais de 20 milhões de euros pelo médio brasileiro e quer mantê-lo até ao final da época – janeiro de 2024.

Interesse do @LFC é real mas nenhuma proposta foi feita.

Hjulmand prestes a ser reforço do Sporting. pic.twitter.com/0gMctJcfwZ

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) August 5, 2023

Even with Romeo Lavia the recruitment team’s top target as things stand and the club still negotiating for a reduction on Southampton’s £50m hurdle, the possibility of a fourth midfield signing hasn’t been entirely ruled out at this stage.

That said, the Reds could be left waiting until January – until after the Brazilian top-flight season has completed (3rd December) to snap up the midfield’s final new arrival.

READ MORE: Lavia transfer complete, Andre incoming & third signing sighted: Liverpool’s must-do shopping list

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Hypothetically, even if we were forced to meet the full £50m price for the Belgian international and a further, let’s say, £20m for Andre (described as more of a controller than a destroyer, according to WhoScored); a combined £70m spent bringing in two further midfielders is far from outrageous.

Plying his trade in the Brazilian top-flight, of course, it’s inevitable that Andre’s addition, were it to occur, would attract more than it’s fair share of raised eyebrows. Enough, at any rate, to dwarf the scepticism attached to Darwin Nunez’s transfer the prior summer.

Ultimately, if it’s a profile Jurgen Klopp and the powers that be decide is worthwhile, our hit rate in the market suggests we should throw our full support behind Lavia and whomever should follow him through the doors of the AXA training centre.

With top-quality options in the market somewhat limited, we can hardly blame the club for considering potential left-of-field alternatives. As the likes of Andy Robertson and Gini Wijnaldum have taught us, we certainly shouldn’t discourage it.

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News of Liverpool’s interest in both Enzo Fernandez and Jude Bellingham ahead of the summer transfer window will rightly excite supporters after the pair’s phenomenal performances at the Qatar World Cup.

Pedro Sepulveda now reports on Twitter that prior claims around an agreement already being in place between the Merseysiders ‘or any other club’ for the Argentine are ‘completely false’.

é completamente falso que exista um acordo com o @LFC ou qualquer outro clube por Enzo Fernández. Não existem negociações com nenhum clube. @SLBenfica só venderá Enzo em Janeiro pela cláusula de rescisão – 120 milhões.

@realmadrid também está interessado. pic.twitter.com/aUOLDKByKD

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) December 21, 2022

To change matters in that regard, the Reds will have to go big for the 21-year-old in the winter window – to the tune of €120m (£105.3m).

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It’s highly unlikely that we’ll see our recruitment team splash such an amount in January; much of the midfield repair job will be undertaken in the summer whilst a signing of the calibre of a Sofyan Amrabat will be pursued in the meantime.

That’s not to say that the situation won’t evolve further down the line, especially given the player’s ability to play the No.6 and No.8 roles – a flexibility shared by fellow Liverpool target Jude Bellingham.

Assuming that we can afford to spend upwards of £200m on both potential midfield additions, it’s an outlay that would seem, at this point in time, entirely justified in light of the quality we’d be receiving in return.

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Pedro Sepulveda has suggested that Matheus Nunes could be destined for another move in a year’s time should a transfer to Wolves go ahead.

The 23-year-old midfielder, whom the journalist highly rates from his time in Portuguese football, is reportedly close to a switch to the English top-flight after a £38m fee was agreed with Sporting Lisbon.

“I really think this is one of the best midfielders nowadays in football. We have to wait now and see how he is going to react and his impact in the Premier League,” the reporter told Sky Sports.

“But if he fits in his first season in England then we’ll talk about this player in the next transfer window.

“If he goes well at Wolves we can easily talk about a huge transfer in the next transfer window for another team.”

This comes despite reports of Liverpool’s interest in the Portuguese international with the Reds having been keen on bolstering the midfield department this summer.

READ MORE: ‘Get him’ – Jose Enrique urges Liverpool to hijack PL side’s deal for ‘dominant’ midfielder

Failed attempts to sign Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham illustrate, as ever, the club’s ambition in bringing in genuine quality, which goes some way to proving that, despite suggesting otherwise, Jurgen Klopp isn’t completely satisfied with his squad.

That being said, we certainly possess the numbers, injuries aside, to compete on all fronts this campaign, though there are serious concerns about the potential business we may need to conduct next summer with as many as three options possessing contracts set to expire in 2023.

Should Nunes enjoy a stellar first season in England, of course, Liverpool could very well be tempted to move ahead of the queue that will likely form for his services next year.

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Portuguese football expert Pedro Sepulveda has claimed that Liverpool-bound Darwin Nunez may struggle to perform at the Anfield outfit due to the pressure that will be generated as a result of his price-tag.

The Uruguay international will cost the Reds an initial £64m, but that fee may rise to £85m with a number of potential add-ons included in the deal with his current club Benfica.

The 22-year-old is expected to be announced as a Liverpool player this week in a move that would see him surpass Virgil van Dijk as the club’s most expensive player – the Merseysiders paid £75m to Southampton for the Dutchman in 2018.

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Sepulveda described the transfer fee as ‘the worst point’ of the deal after revealing Nunez struggled in his first season in Portugal after moving to Lisbon from Spanish second division outfit Almeria.

The £35m move saw him become the most expensive signing in the history of Portuguese football and he managed to net just five goals in 28 appearances during the 2020/21 season.

The Uruguayan suspended his social media accounts during his first season at Benfica as a result of his slow start at the club and the criticism he was receiving from supporters.

Nunez’s Benfica teammate, Adel Taarabt, has warned that the language barrier will be the Liverpool signing’s biggest obstacle to overcome at Anfield, but we’ll just have to wait and see how the forwards fares in the coming months.

You can watch the football expert speaking to Sky Sports by clicking here.

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Pedro Sepulveda has shared that Manchester United had attempted to snatch Darwin Nunez away from Liverpool by outbidding the Reds for his signature.

The Portuguese journalist noted that Liverpool remained a far more attractive option out of the two Premier League outfits for the Uruguayan regardless, with the 22-year-old now in the process of completing a medical for his potential new side.

The former Penarol star should, medical pending, move to join Jurgen Klopp’s side for a £64m up front fee, which could rise to £85m in total if the conditions of the add-ons attached are met.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of Sky Sports:

"Manchester United's offer was bigger than Liverpool's but the project of Liverpool playing in the Champions League was very decisive for Darwin Nunez!"

Portuguese football expert Pedro Sepulveda explains why Darwin Nunez chose to sign for Liverpool pic.twitter.com/lu8UYcXkGE

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 13, 2022

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After ceaseless speculation around Liverpool and Manchester United’s pursuit of Benfica sensation Darwin Nunez, it would appear that transfer talks are drawing to a conclusion.

It’s an end that won’t be appealing to fans of the Red Devils, however, according to the latest tweet from Portuguese insider Pedro Sepulveda, as Manchester United have reportedly been ruled ‘out of the race’.

It's DONE. @Darwinn99 is going to @LFC . @ManUtd is out of the race. Contract of 5 years with a salary of 6 million euros net per season. Darwin Núñez already announced the decision to his family and friends. Liverpool is just waiting for @SLBenfica 'yes'. pic.twitter.com/4O3Oq0RguQ

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) June 10, 2022

The likes of West Ham United and Newcastle United were also said to be keeping tabs on the former Penarol man, with the former having allegedly attempted to sign the player in January.

READ MORE: Uruguayan journalist drops huge six-word promise as Liverpool’s Nunez pursuit heats up

Signing a replacement for Sadio Mane, a Champions League, Premier League and AFCON winner and Ballon d’Or contender, was always going to be a seismic task for any sporting director.

Yet, with the potential acquisition of Nunez, Julian Ward will have ticked a major box in his first test in his new role following Michael Edwards’ departure, looking after the future of the forward line with the 22-year-old hitman.

It won’t be quite a perfect window yet should the deal go through – though by no means a poor one by any stretch of the imagination – of course, with a new midfielder a priority.

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Manchester United have reportedly attempted mounted a late challenge to Liverpool’s talks with Benfica over the future of Darwin Nunez as Erik ten Hag meets with Jorge Mendes in Portugal.

This comes courtesy of a tweet from Pedro Sepulveda, with the Reds still yet to agree a deal with the Primeira Liga outfit for the services of their 34 goal hitman.

Jorge Mendes is having a meeting with Ten Hag in Portugal. @ManUtd is trying to steal @Darwinn99 from @LFC . Darwin Núñez wants to play @ChampionsLeague . Next hours will be decisive.

Liverpool's offer:

100 million euros to @SLBenfica
5 years contract https://t.co/l769E919jP pic.twitter.com/ipr2PKgQ6R

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) June 9, 2022

The Merseysiders were thought to have gained the lead in the race for the Uruguayan striker with the player having identified Jurgen Klopp’s men as his first-choice club.

READ MORE: Darwin Nunez set to be handed lucrative five figure salary after Liverpool reportedly agree personal terms

Given that Nunez has already made his mind up on a preferred destination, it’s difficult to imagine what exactly the Red Devils can offer to steal a march on their bitter league rivals.

It should be remembered, of course, that we have still yet to finalise a deal with Benfica, which does at least leave the door open to a potential intervention from another interested party.

An appropriate bid from Bayern Munich for Sadio Mane – which will help finance a move for the former Almeria centre-forward – has yet to arrive, though an agreement being reached with the Eagles wouldn’t appear to be contingent on the Senegalese first exiting Anfield.

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Liverpool have yet to agree a deal for Darwin Nunez despite reports claiming to the contrary, though it is understood that personal terms in principle have been arranged with the 22-year-old.

The former Almeria striker is reportedly set to earn roughly £98k-a-week at Anfield should the transfer go through as planned.

Darwin Nunez has agreed a five year contract and will earn €6m per year at Liverpool. (Approx £98.6k per week)

[@pedromsepulveda] pic.twitter.com/SugjiSh319

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) June 9, 2022

The arrangement would see the forward become one of the top earners at Liverpool Football Club.

READ MORE: Ornstein & Pearce confirm Liverpool have ‘moved a step closer’ to completing Nunez deal

Some have reported far higher figures, which we would have to question given the potential difficulty in agreeing a further contract extension should Nunez later desire a salary package beyond the constraints of our wage structure.

Mo Salah is certainly a solid indicator of the struggles in that area, with the Egyptian international still yet to agree on fresh terms with only a year remaining on his contract.

It’s a discussion we shouldn’t necessarily have to worry about until a few years down the line, though it makes sense for us to be handing Nunez a contract that reflects his current value without making the possibility of an extension difficult in future.

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Liverpool may be closer to an agreement than some realise, with one Portuguese transfer expert, Pedro Sepulveda, having suggested on Twitter that a £85m deal (including a £68m fee and bonuses) is close to being agreed with Benfica.

The Merseysiders are thought to be keen on the Uruguayan international as a potential Sadio Mane replacement, with some suggesting the potential signing could inspire a tactical tweak from Jurgen Klopp.

100 milhões: 80 milhões + 20 em objetivos @LFC @SLBenfica https://t.co/wOQh2pfK1e

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) June 8, 2022

The big conundrum will lie around the use of Diogo Jota, who would surely be affected by the addition of another (primarily) central forward.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms agreement between Liverpool & Man Utd ahead of opening Nunez bid

One theory that has been floated is the prospect of a switch to a 4-2-3-1, which would technically accommodate both strikers, though at the cost of rotation, which is sure to be a factor in any selection calls made next term.

We will, of course, have backup in the form of Bobby Firmino and Fabio Carvalho, the latter of which is intended for the forward line in the next campaign, and we shouldn’t disregard the fact that Harvey Elliott is likewise capable of filing out up top.

It’s a headache that will nonetheless be welcomed by the former Borussia Dortmund tactician as he plots the next stage of Liverpool’s ongoing evolution.

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Luis Diaz will be handed a long-term Liverpool contract to keep him in Merseyside until the summer of 2027.

This comes from Sic Noticias reporter, Pedro Sepulveda, on Twitter, with the Colombian set to take home £2.9m a year post-taxes.

#FCPorto ACEITOU. #LuisDiaz vai ser jogador do #Liverpool até 2027. Negócio de 45 milhões € + 15 milhões € em objetivos. @LuisFDiaz19 vai ter um salário anual de 3,5 milhões € limpos no @LFC . #Conceição insatisfeito com a concretização do negócio .

: @ElevenSports_PT pic.twitter.com/3w5a1Erry5

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) January 28, 2022

Following a quick dive into Google and UK tax laws, it seems that the 25-year-old will be earning roughly a little over £100,000 per week pre-tax.

READ MORE: The finances behind Luis Diaz’s imminent Liverpool transfer explained by Fabrizio Romano

With Diogo Jota set to remain with us until the summer of 2025 – a contract we’d expect to see extended – it’s clear the club is actively looking after the future of the forward line.

Add on top a potential set of fresh terms for in-form wide man Mo Salah and our front-three will be looking like a frightening prospect both for our domestic and European rivals for the foreseeable future.

There’s the possibility, of course, of our recruitment team identifying a further new addition to the forward department, dependent on how we perceive the futures of the likes of Sadio Mane and Bobby Firmino, though it would seem that we’re in particularly rude health up top.

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