Christian Falk has named one out-of-work manager who Liverpool are reportedly ‘monitoring’ as a possible candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp.

In recent days, the Daily Mail dubbed Niko Kovac a possible contender for the Anfield job after his representatives apparently spoke with a few Premier League clubs during a meeting in London, although Neil Jones subsequently dismissed those links as an ‘agent-led story’.

However, the reliable German reporter hasn’t completely ruled out the 52-year-old from taking charge of the Reds, even if he’s not at the top of the club’s list as things stand despite his agents having spoken to a delegation from LFC.

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In his Fact Files for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Falk wrote: “Niko Kovac was most recently released in Wolfsburg. Suddenly he is considered a candidate for Liverpool FC. He himself publicly downplays the interest. However, I learned that his agents were actually in England.

“It is also true that his agents have spoken to Liverpool FC. The result: Kovac is not one of the top candidates at Liverpool. But it is also true that he is on an extended list of candidates who are not yet an issue but which the club is monitoring.”

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One aspect where Kovac might have an edge over the likes of Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi is that he’s currently available and therefore wouldn’t require any negotiation with clubs, or any release clause to be paid.

However, if that’s probably the biggest plus in his favour, it doesn’t distinguish him as a manager for whom Liverpool should be moving heaven and earth to try and get in at Anfield.

The 52-year-old was given his marching orders by Wolfsburg last month after an abysmal run of one win in 15 matches, the type of sequence which’d be catastrophic for a club of the Reds’ ambitions and standing.

From Falk’s update, it seems that Kovac is on the periphery of LFC’s radar, someone whom they’ve earmarked as a possible candidate but by no means their first choice.

The scale of replacing a manager as legendary as Klopp isn’t to be taken lightly, and Liverpool need to push the boat out to try and land whoever they most want, rather than merely settling for a coach who’s several names down their wish list.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Gian Piero Gasperini is currently not in the running for the Liverpool manager’s job.

The 66-year-old earned surprise links following Atalanta’s impressive 3-0 win over the Reds in the Europa League.

“Gian Piero Gasperini will have raised some eyebrows yesterday when he addressed rumours about him being in contention for the Liverpool job. He spoke at his press conference ahead of the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final with the Reds, saying: ‘Of course I am happy with links to Liverpool job to replace Klopp but my focus is on the game’,” the Guardian reporter told CaughtOffside.

“For sure, Gasperini has done a fantastic job at Atalanta in recent times so I’m not too surprised that, after beating Liverpool in such a convincing way with that 3-0 win at Anfield last week, there is some media speculation about him possibly replacing Klopp, but there’s nothing more to it than that.

“I can say that there’s nothing at all between Gasperini and Liverpool from what I know. I think these are links just generated by Atalanta’s super game vs Liverpool at Anfield, that’s it. As for other clubs, again there will always be links, but for now I see him staying at Atalanta.”

The Merseysiders face the Serie A outfit in Bergamo tonight, with a reaction required after a dismal 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

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READ MORE: ‘Conversations took place’: Fabrizio Romano drops concerning morning next Liverpool manager update

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The contenders for the Liverpool job

As things currently stand, Ruben Amorim appears to remain the frontrunner to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool post.

Whilst Gasperini’s set-up in Merseyside most certainly deserves plaudits, we’d be surprised if the Italian entered Richard Hughes’ considerations based on one result.

Far more likely are the options of Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann. However, that is, of course, only an eventuality should the former Braga coach remain in Lisbon.

In the meantime, we’d be surprised if Gasperini’s performances didn’t bring him into consideration at other top outfits.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Micah Richards has shared his thoughts on Ruben Amorim amid the 39-year-old’s links with the Liverpool manager’s job.

Discussions are reportedly underway about the potential appointment of the Sporting Lisbon boss as Jurgen Klopp’s successor, and he’s been given the seal of approval by the former Manchester City defender.

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Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the pundit said of Amorim: “I think the way he plays tactically he’d be good. In terms of could he be good for Liverpool? Definitely. He’s really intelligent. He plays attacking football. He has evolved as a manager as well because he was at Braga I think. He did okay there.

“The thing is though, can he do it in the Premier League so soon? That’s the one question mark you would have. I’ve heard Liverpool fans saying they would like him. They like his style of football, so you just never know.”

READ MORE: (Video) David James: Liverpool ‘did everything they needed to do’ to win against Palace

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Although Richards cited Amorim’s lack of Premier League experience as a possible ‘question mark’, the Sporting manager has proven his worth on the European stage as well as in Portugal.

His side reached the Champions League knockout rounds two years ago and the Europa League quarter-finals last season, eliminating Arsenal from the latter, while he’s also overseen victory over Tottenham and a draw against Manchester City in that time.

In 207 matches in charge of the Lisbon club, they’ve scored 446 goals (2.15 per game), a testament to their prolific nature and penchant for attacking football, and their phenomental tally of 84 goals in the Portuguese top flight this term is 19 more than the next-best team in that regard.

Going from Sporting to Liverpool would be a step up for the 39-year-old, but the evidence of his managerial career so far suggests that he could be ready for such a move.

Two decades on from his compatriot Jose Mourinho announcing himself in the Premier Leauge in style, Amorim appears to have the qualities to do the same.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed once again that Bayern Munich have pinned down Julian Nagelsmann as the frontrunner to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer.

This comes amid some links to the soon-to-be-vacant Liverpool manager role, with Jurgen Klopp calling time on an illustrious career at Anfield.

“I want to confirm once again that Julian Nagelsmann is the frontrunner for the Bayern Munich job, ahead of Roberto de Zerbi and Ralf Rangnick, who are two alternatives. What will be important now, in the next few days, will be for Bayern to understand what will happen between Nagelsmann and the German national team,” the CaughtOffside columnist wrote in his exclusive Daily Briefing.

“My understanding is that the German federation want to keep Nagelsmann until 2026, and they have already prepared a new contract proposal for him. They want him to commit to the national team. Nagelsmann himself wants to decide his future before the Euros this summer, and he knows now that Bayern’s interest is strong and concrete.

“Bayern have an idea of what they want their project to be with Nagelsmann, and now it’s about entering into the crucial stages of the conversation. Conversations took place with his agents in recent weeks, he’s the big favourite for the job.”

The German tactician will enjoy a well-deserved sabbatical after a nine-year stint that will have at least delivered one league title and a Champions League trophy back into the Reds’ hands.

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READ MORE: Strong theory now emerging about Xabi Alonso following Liverpool manager snub

READ MORE: ‘We’re hearing’: Fabrizio Romano weighs in on Unai Emery links to Liverpool

Ruben Amorim in the lead to replace Jurgen Klopp?

Despite Ruben Amorim’s concerning comments to the press, it very much appears as if he’s leading the race to replace Jurgen Klopp.

The Portuguese head coach has rightly won plaudits for his style of football and transforming Sporting Lisbon into a regular competitor for the league title in the Primeira Liga.

Should, God forbid, the former Benfica star opt to continue his cycle in Portugal, of course, that leaves Liverpool with one hell of a problem to tackle.

Even more so if another promising candidate in Nagelsmann is snapped up by Bayern Munich this summer.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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It wasn’t meant to be for Liverpool and beloved former midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The ex-Spanish international footballer opted to stay put with Bayer Leverkusen after the Reds came calling looking for a Jurgen Klopp successor.

Fabrizio Romano has since pointed to the 42-year-old’s ‘really special’ link to Real Madrid as one of several indications that he’ll one day be reunited with Los Blancos.

“Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has been very clear, telling the Spanish press that he 100% expects Xabi Alonso to become Real Madrid manager one day. Carro was very strong in his statement, saying he has no doubts that Alonso will be Real Madrid manager in the future,” the Italian journalist informed CaughtOffside.

“Carro knows that Alonso is super attracted to a future with Real Madrid – this is the reality, as Alonso still loves all his former clubs, such as Bayern and Liverpool, but the feeling with Real Madrid, as a Spanish guy, is really special.

“You might also remember that when I told you about Alonso rejecting Bayern and Liverpool to stay at Leverkusen this summer, I told you that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a big fan of Alonso – this is an important point. Perez is a big fan of Alonso as a person, and as a manager. He also believes he has the perfect style for Real Madrid and that his skills as a coach are fantastic.

“Perez is a super big fan of Alonso and this is why the feeling is that one day he will become Real Madrid manager.”

Leverkusen have since been crowned Bundesliga champions following a 5-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen.

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READ MORE: ‘We’re hearing’: Fabrizio Romano weighs in on Unai Emery links to Liverpool

READ MORE: Journalist hearing Liverpool about to move to ‘next stage of talks’ with managerial candidate

Will Xabi Alonso manage Liverpool one day?

It’s looking increasingly likely that Real Madrid will be the first of the former outfits to benefit from Alonso’s skillset.

Whether the opportunity then later arises to take over Liverpool is difficult to determine and dependent entirely on the success of Jurgen Klopp’s successor. Potentially even the man after that!

If it all works out with Amorim, should the Portuguese head coach say ‘yes’ to the role, of course, the heartbreak will be quickly forgotten.

Dean Jones’ latest update on the matter at least suggests talks could progress quickly.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Unai Emery’s impressive job at Aston Villa is understandably earning him both plaudits and links to bigger jobs in football.

Not many jobs come bigger than Liverpool Football Club ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure this summer.

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed, however, that the Spaniard remains fully focused on the task at hand with the Villans.

“We’re hearing a lot at the moment about some fantastic managers who could be on the move this summer as big clubs like Liverpool, Bayern and Barcelona could be looking for new head coaches, but one name we’re not hearing much about is Unai Emery,” the CaughtOffside columnist shared in his Daily Briefing.

“Emery has done a hugely impressive job at Aston Villa, and I’m aware some media pundits have been discussing and debating if he should be someone Liverpool are looking at to replace Jurgen Klopp. So why aren’t we seeing Emery linked with some of the top jobs available this summer?

“My understanding is that this is because Emery is fully focused on Aston Villa. Emery with Monchi, Damian Vidagany, are all together focusing on Villa’s European campaign this season and of course on a Champions League spot for next season. Nothing is concrete at this stage with other jobs; there’s interest for sure in Emery but he’s focusing on Villa now.”

The 52-year-old is on course to potentially deliver Villa fans their first piece of silverware since 1996.

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READ MORE: Journalist hearing Liverpool about to move to ‘next stage of talks’ with managerial candidate

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Unai Emery shouldn’t be the next Liverpool manager

First and foremost, let us say that we’re appreciative of Emery’s talents as a coach and what he’s accomplished thus far in the West Midlands.

That said, the jump up to the impending vacancy at Anfield is a pretty steep one for any manager.

Let us put it this way: We’d have been taking a gamble on Xabi Alonso and the same applies for Liverpool-linked Ruben Amorim.

It’s absolutely no slight on Unai Emery but we don’t think he’d be the right fit for the job.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Liverpool fans are fully aware that a new era is upon us this summer when Jurgen Klopp leaves and Rafa Benitez has provided some advice for the next person in charge.

Speaking with Sky Sports, the Spaniard said: “To manage a top side you need a special character.

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold hilariously accuses Neville of ‘gegging in’ during interview

“It’s very difficult to replace someone like Klopp and everyone expects the next manager to win. It’s not easy when you go in after a successful manager.

“There are too many things that you don’t want to change, but you have to adapt to your mentality and style. This transition is always difficult.

“When I signed for Liverpool they told me I had three years just to compete, so any manager will need time.”

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold names ex-Man Utd man in dream dinner guests

It’s going to be a huge job to replace the 56-year-old at Anfield and not many not better about the pressure of arriving on Merseyside with big expectations – than our Istanbul gaffer.

We as fans will allow the new boss time to bed in but it’s going to need a special and talented person to try and capture the imagination of supporters and players quickly.

You can watch Benitez’s comments via @SkySportsPL on X:

"You need a special character"

Rafa Benitez says whoever takes over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool will need time and it will not be easy pic.twitter.com/xhZ7LWHlAr

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 16, 2024

EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

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Liverpool are keen on making Ruben Amorim their next manager after Xabi Alonso opted to stay put with Bayer Leverkusen.

The good news for the Reds is that it very much appears the feeling is mutual for the Portuguese head coach.

Dean Jones now reports that talks with the 39-year-old are going relatively smoothly and that the next round of talks is expected to occur as soon as the Merseysiders’ ‘contact with Sporting becomes active’.

“I do think there is confidence in finding an agreement over making Amorim their manager, but there has always been an acceptance that it would not be sorted out fast,” the journalist told GIVEMESPORT.

Sporting Lisbon restored their seven-point buffer over Benfica with a 1-0 win over Famalicao yesterday.

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READ MORE: What Bellingham is now saying about pre-Real Madrid ‘conversations’; likely with Liverpool

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Next Liverpool manager: Ruben Amorim to Anfield?

It seems a matter of time before Amorim trades his green armband for the red of Liverpool.

The former Braga boss did appear to allude to the possibility of following in Alonso’s footsteps and extending his stay in Portugal.

In our mind, however, this is merely talk designed to cut short the ongoing questions over his future.

Should Amorim pick up a second league title this term… what else is left to achieve in the Primeira Liga?

If not Amorim, then who?

Former FC Bayern boss Niko Kovac is the latest surprising name to be linked with Liverpool.

As Neil Jones made clear in his latest column with EOTK Insider, however, this very much seems like agent talk.

Admittedly, if Amorim does say ‘no’ to the opportunity at Anfield this summer, it leaves us in something of a pickle.

The Portuguese coach does seem the least problematic of the remaining candidates on paper.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Trent Alexander-Arnold’s entire career has been played under Jurgen Klopp and with the manager leaving this summer, big changes are looming.

Speaking with Gary Neville on The Overlap about the arrival of a new boss, the Scouser said: “I’d probably say I’m sat on the fence with regards to my feelings on a new manager coming in.

“It’ll be a completely different situation and it’s going to be weird to then turn up to pre-season, having to adopt a new playing style.

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“Whereas now, without anything getting said to me, I know all the manager wants me to play, and I turn up to pre-season, I know to jump there, I’m to press there, but for this summer, my next pre-season will have a completely different message.”

It’s an understandable feeling of apprehension from our No.66 as there’s going to be so many changes within the club, in such a short amount of time.

Let’s hope we can arrive in the new campaign full of confidence from a successful end to this one and give the new person in charge the best chance of success.

You can watch Alexander-Arnold’s comments on a new manager (from 7:38) via The Overlap on YouTube:

EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

The post (Video) Alexander-Arnold shares new manager fears ahead of Klopp’s departure appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David Ornstein has suggested that Liverpool could make a ‘brave’ decision when it comes to appointing their next manager and might yet opt for someone beyond the ‘obvious candidates’.

The Athletic journalist spoke with NBC Sports about the Reds’ search for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, claiming that Ruben Amorim – currently the hot favourite to take over from the German – is ‘not a shoo-in for the job’ and ‘not necessarily the top option’.

The reporter said: “Liverpool are looking at a number of options, no doubt. They are finalising their work on them and they will not be afraid to be brave and think outside of the obvious candidates or the popular names.

“They won’t be looking for applause; they’ll be looking to make the right decision for Liverpool Football Club based on the style of play – high tempo, energy, exciting brand of football.

“They’ll be looking for someone to connect with supporters and really energise them as well, somebody who has as good track record on injuries and player availability, and somebody who also will make sure that players will improve, lots of which has been done by Jurgen Klopp.”

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Ornstein’s update conflicts with that of Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda, who claimed on Monday that Amorim is ‘the only name on Liverpool’s table to be the next coach’.

We’d be more inclined to go with the former, who’s established as one of the most trusted reporters in football, and the Reds had a tendency to execute left-field transfer signings during Michael Edwards’ previous spell with the club, many of which turned out to be masterstrokes.

We remain hopeful that a manager of Amorim’s track record will get the job, but it seems that the Sporting Lisbon boss mightn’t yet be nailed-on to take over from Klopp. We can only wait to see what develops over the coming weeks.

You can view Ornstein’s update on the Liverpool manager search below, via NBC Sports on YouTube:

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Neil Jones has dismissed rumours surrounding one manager who’s recently been touted as a possible candidate for Liverpool.

Over the weekend, the Daily Mail claimed that Niko Kovac has come into contention to replace Jurgen Klopp, with the 52-year-old’s agents believed to have spoken with a few Premier League clubs during a recent visit to London.

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However, speaking to EOTK Insider, the journalist doesn’t think that the former Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg boss is a credible candidate for the upcoming vacancy at Anfield.

Jones said: “I saw the headline and it made more sense for his agents who have been sounding out Premier League clubs. That feels like an agent-led story to me. I don’t think Liverpool will be in the running for Niko Kovac. It will be someone with a lot more recent pedigree.”

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Kovac’s name appeared to spring from nowhere when it was first mentioned in tandem with the Liverpool job, and his most recent managerial post wouldn’t offer any great encouragement that he’d be a success at Anfield.

The Croatian was sacked by Wolfsburg last month following a nightmare sequence of just one win in 15 matches, which came away to the Bundesliga’s bottom club Darmstadt in December (Transfermarkt).

He left Die Wölfe 14th in the table at the time of his dismissal, not exactly the kind of placing which’d have clubs of LFC’s stature moving heaven and earth to secure his services.

It’s hard to imagine that Liverpool would have Kovac higher on their list of managerial candidates than Ruben Amorim, who’s currently on course to win a second league title in four years at Sporting Lisbon and has been given a glowing character reference by one of his former players in Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.

We agree with Jones – the rumours surrounding the 52-year-old and the Anfield job appear to be nothing more than his agents putting out feelers ahead of a summer which’ll likely see a frantic merry-go-round of managers in England and across Europe.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Ruben Amorim has been given a glowing character reference by one Premier League midfielder amid his ongoing links with Liverpool.

Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda claimed on Monday that the Sporting Lisbon boss is the only manager that the Anfield hierarchy want to take over from Jurgen Klopp, with negotiations believed to be underway with his agents.

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Fulham’s Joao Palhinha – who played under him at two clubs – is convinced that the 39-year-old would be a success on Merseyside.

The 29-year-old midfielder said of Amorim (via Fabrizio Romano): “If he signs for Liverpool, I have no doubt that people will like his personality. I believe he is a great option to replace Klopp. He’s used to dealing with pressure.”

João Palhinha on Amorim and #LFC links: “If he signs for Liverpool, I have no doubt that people will like his personality. I believe he is a great option to replace Klopp”.

“He's used to dealing with pressure”. pic.twitter.com/Cv3VYJIUoK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 15, 2024

READ MORE: (Video) Jamie Carragher analyses why ‘chaotic’ Liverpool risk missing out on Premier League title

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Amorim could be a two-time Portuguese league champion by the time he (maybe) arrives at Liverpool, having won the title with Sporting in 2021 – their first in 19 years – and being on course to do so again over the coming weeks.

That trophy-winning nous is a quality which could well distinguish him from other rumoured candidates such as Roberto De Zerbi, and it also helps that he carries himself with grace and charm.

In addition to Palhinha’s comments, a feature in this month’s edition of World Soccer magazine described him as a ‘consummate media performer’ who’s ‘jovial, eloquent and good to listen to’, highlighting the contrast between him and more combustible peers such as Jose Mourinho and Sergio Conceicao.

As the Fulham midfielder also referenced, Amorim has proven himself at a club in Sporting where the pressure to compete for league titles on an annual basis is intense, which should stand as ideal preparation for taking over at a club of Liverpool’s expectations.

That blend of trophy-winning experience and amicable personality could have Reds fans clamouring for him to take over from Klopp, who also boasts those traits in abundance.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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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

READ MORE: (Video) ‘Have to play…’ – Ex-Spurs player urges £30m Liverpool ace to consider leaving Anfield

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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.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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Yet another name has seemingly entered the frame in terms of potential candidates for the next Liverpool manager.

Ruben Amorim currently appears to be the frontrunner to succeed Jurgen Klopp, although that hasn’t prevented other coaches from being touted as possible contenders for the role.

According to the Daily Mail, the ‘surprise name’ of Niko Kovac has now come into contention, with the 52-year-old’s representatives having been in London recently, amid reports that they spoke with multiple Premier League clubs ahead of potential managerial changes in the summer.

READ MORE: (Video) TNT Sports pundits predict every Liverpool result to end of season in title race verdict

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The former Croatia, Bayern Munich and Monaco boss is currently out of work, having been dismissed by Wolfsburg last month following a miserable run of just one win in his last 15 matches (Transfermarkt).

His time with the Bavarian giants ended in 2019 after a 5-1 thrashing by his previous club Eintracht Frankfurt, with whom he won the DFB-Pokal.

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In his favour, he instilled a relentless work rate inside his first few weeks with Wolfsburg, making them one of the hardest-running teams in the Bundesliga (ESPN), a trait with which Klopp’s Liverpool are also associated.

However, Kovac’s side were also known for being slow to progress the ball and enabling opposition defences to frustrate them with a low block (ESPN), something which isn’t likely to endear himself to the Merseyside faithful.

The report didn’t specify whether LFC were one of the English clubs with whom his agents met during their recent visit to London, so we’ll have to wait and see if further outlets corroborate these initial links.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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One reliable journalist has claimed that Liverpool have ‘two leading candidates’ when it comes to appointing their next manager.

The Reds are continuing to seek out the right successor to Jurgen Klopp, although some pundits have claimed that Michael Edwards and co have internally made up their mind already.

Speaking to ESPN FC, Mark Ogden hinted that the Anfield hierarchy have narrowed down their search to a couple of names who’ve been linked heavily with the role in recent weeks, with one of those appearing to have a narrow advantage.

He outlined: “What I’ve been told is that Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi are the two leading candidates. There were some suggestions last week that De Zerbi had kind of fallen down the list a little bit.

“I’m told that isn’t the case, but Amorim is the guy that probably shades the preference in the sense that he’s managing a big club already. He’s won a title and it looks like he’s gonna win another title, so his pedigree in the sense of managing a big club is established.

“De Zerbi hasn’t quite done that yet, and I think that would be a little bit of a hesitation. Can he handle the intensity of managing Liverpool? I suppose he could, but the benefit that De Zerbi has is that he knows the Premier League. He’s managed in the Premier League for a season and a half.”

As Ogden has highlighted, Amorim’s title-winning pedigree in Portugal could give him the edge over De Zerbi when it comes to Liverpool making their final decision on their next manager.

There are still hurdles to clear in terms of stumping up for his release clause and persuading him to take the job if indeed he’s their preferred candidate, but hopefully the Anfield hierarchy will end up getting whoever their first-choice option might be.

You can view Ogden’s comments in full below, via ESPN UK on YouTube:

The post (Video) ‘I’m told…’ – Journalist hints at Liverpool’s ‘preference’ in new manager search appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.