MX23RW : Saturday, January 18 12:31:01| >> :120:10674:10674:

Liverpool 'hold talks with Ligue 1 manager amid Ruben Amorim doubts'

Liverpool 'hold talks with Ligue 1 manager amid Amorim doubts'
© Reuters
Liverpool allegedly hold discussions with Lille boss Paulo Fonseca regarding the possibility of replacing outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool have reportedly held discussions with a manager from Ligue 1 after doubts emerged over the potential appointment of Ruben Amorim.

Ever since Jurgen Klopp revealed in January that he planned to depart his role at Liverpool manager, speculation has persisted regarding a replacement.

Once Xabi Alonso officially stated he would not be departing Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting boss Amorim soon became the alleged number one choice of the Premier League outfit's hierarchy.

Amorim is currently on the brink of winning his second Primeira Liga title with Sporting, who are seven points clear at the top of the standings with four matches remaining.

The perception is that the Portuguese is wanted by a number of European football's top clubs and he would jump at the opportunity to move to Anfield.

Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim before the match on February 22, 2024© Reuters

Doubts emerge over Amorim appointment?

However, a report on Monday suggested that it was 'unlikely' the 39-year-old would be departing Sporting to take the lead position in the Liverpool dugout.

Furthermore, it was claimed that Amorim was open to becoming the next manager of West Ham United at a time when David Moyes appears increasing likely to leave his position at the London Stadium.

That has naturally resulted in Liverpool's hierarchy needing to consider alternatives for a third time, with the name of Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi likely to remain on their shortlist.

Nevertheless, according to FootballTransfers, in conjunction with Anfield Watch, Fonseca has joined the list of possible arrivals on Merseyside.

Lille coach Paulo Fonseca on April 18, 2024© Reuters

Fonseca impressing at Lille

Fonseca has most recently been in the spotlight with Premier League clubs courtesy of Lille's performances against Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.

Lille impressed during a 2-1 defeat in England before leading the reverse fixture 2-0 with four minutes remaining, only to eventually lose out in a penalty shootout.

The French outfit also sit in fourth position in the Ligue 1 table with a game in hand, with the 51-year-old having put Lille in contention for Champions League qualification.

As per the report, talks are said to have taken place informally and earlier in the season, yet Fonseca's stock has only been enhanced since those initial conversations.

An added benefit for any interested clubs is Fonseca's contract being due to expire in the summer, resulting in no compensation needing to be paid.

ID:541981:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5159:
Written by
Darren Plant

Next Liverpool manager - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Paulo Fonseca

Click here for more stories about Liverpool

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim pictured on April 6, 2024
Read Next:
Ruben Amorim 'in talks with surprise club, unlikely to join Liverpool'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool20145148202847
2Arsenal21127241192243
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest21125430201041
4Newcastle UnitedNewcastle21115537221538
5Chelsea21107441261537
6Manchester CityMan City2110563829935
7Aston Villa2110563132-135
8Bournemouth219753225734
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2171043229331
10Fulham217953230230
11Brentford218494037328
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd217592629-326
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham217592741-1426
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs21731143321124
15Crystal Palace215972328-524
16Everton203891526-1117
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2144133148-1716
18Ipswich TownIpswich2137112037-1716
19Leicester CityLeicester2135132346-2314
20Southampton2113171347-346


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!