LIVERPOOL'S THREE RUBEN AMORIM ALTERNATIVES TO BE NEXT MANAGER AS JAMIE CARRAGHER FAVOURITE EMERGES

Liverpool's search for Jurgen Klopp's replacement took a fresh twist after Sporting boss Ruben Amorim flew to London to hold talks with West Ham.

Portuguese chief Amorim has been heavily tipped for a move to Liverpool after No.1 target Xabi Alonso announced he'd be staying in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen. But it appears he could end up replacing David Moyes when his contract expires at the end of the season - after he flew to the UK on a flight chartered by West Ham's owners for talks.

FSG chief Michael Edwards and incoming Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes are leading the push to replace Klopp at Anfield, knowing they need to get the appointment right and bring in a boss who won't miss a step as the Reds seek to continue challenging for titles.

Interestingly, Amorim remains the favourite with a number of bookmakers and is not out of the race by any means, but Mirror Football has taken a look at three potential alternatives to the Sporting manager.

Roberto De Zerbi

The Brighton boss has long been linked with a move to Anfield and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes he is the new "favourite" for the job.

"Richard Hughes wanted De Zerbi at Bournemouth, so he must be the favourite if this is true," Carragher tweeted on Monday. De Zerbi has earned plenty of plaudits for his work with Brighton, having guided them into Europe after replacing Graham Potter in 2022.

Speaking last month, De Zerbi admitted he is yet to agree a new deal with the Seagulls, saying: "I have not decided yet what my future is. I have the contract, but I want to speak with [owner] Tony Bloom and my club to understand their plan. Then we'll take the decision together."

Hughes is a big fan of De Zerbi, and Edwards is a big fan of Hughes and believer in his vision for Liverpool's next steps. It may well be enough to take him from the south coast to Merseyside.

Paulo Fonseca

Having done an impressive job at Lille since taking charge in 2022, Fonseca has emerged as a surprise candidate with reports claiming the Reds held informal talks with him earlier this season.

Fonseca has developed a bold, attacking and young team at Lille, with the likes of 24-year-old striker Jonathan David, 22-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro and 23-year-old midfielder Angel Gomes all thriving under his management.

Fonseca also has plenty of experience across Europe and he recently revealed his interest in coming to the Premier League one day, telling the BBC earlier this month: "I have to confess it is very attractive the championship in England, with the best coaches, with the best teams, with the best players."

Arne Slot

After the news of Amorim's talks with West Ham emerged, the odds were slashed on Slot becoming Liverpool's new manager.

The Feyenoord boss is now the second-favourite with many, having rejected the chance to take over at Tottenham last summer. Slot won the league with Feyenoord last season and they currently sit second in the Eredivisie this year, having already lifted the KNVB Cup. He has worked wonders on a tight budget in Rotterdam.

The Dutchman has also expressed his interest in moving to the Premier League, telling Sky Sports last year: "My next step will not be a club in Holland. If that is my next step, then I've failed completely.

"The normal next step will be to go abroad and I've always said the best league in the world is the Premier League."

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2024-04-23T08:00:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd