Liverpool's number one managerial target is supposedly not in the dark about the Reds' interest in acquiring his services this summer.
In just over two months' time, the Kop will bid an emotional farewell to Premier League and Champions League-winning boss Jurgen Klopp, who announced his decision to step down in January.
The Anfield powers-that-be had already been made aware of Klopp's intentions for a couple of months, although they had other matters to take care of before ramping up their search for a new head coach.
However, now that Michael Edwards has rejoined Fenway Sports Group as their CEO of Football and Richard Hughes has been hired as Liverpool's new sporting director, it is all systems go on the managerial search front.
Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso was long considered the top candidate for the job, but the ex-Reds midfielder has now confirmed that he will remain with the Bundesliga champions-elect for one more season.
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Liverpool facing Spanish competition for top target
The Reds were supposedly always expecting Alonso to stay put this summer, though, and they have subsequently accelerated their pursuit of their top alternative, Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim.
The 39-year-old has earned numerous plaudits and admirers for his work in his homeland, where he has won five trophies during his time at Braga and Sporting, including the 2021-22 Primeira Liga title.
According to CM Jornal, Amorim is aware of the Reds' growing interest, but he will not pay any attention to the outside noise until the 2023-24 campaign comes to a close as Sporting chase a domestic double.
The Portuguese giants currently hold a one-point lead over Benfica at the summit of the Primeira Liga table with a game in hand, and they also boast a 2-1 lead over the Eagles in their Taca de Portugal semi-final, with the return leg taking place on Tuesday.
Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit of the much-coveted 39-year-old, though, as Barcelona - who will lose Xavi at the end of the season - are also keeping a close eye on developments.
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What Amorim alternatives do Liverpool have?
Should it come down to a straight financial shootout for Amorim, whose Sporting contract apparently includes a release clause of €15m (£12.8m), Liverpool would be expected to pip the cash-strapped Blaugrana to the post with minimal difficulty.
However, Liverpool are not thought to be putting all their eggs in one basket when it comes to Amorim and are also said to hold Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi in high regard.
The Italian's Seagulls side suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to Liverpool in Sunday's Premier League clash, which marked the first time that Klopp had got one over De Zerbi as a manager, but the latter's release clause is thought to be significantly higher at €20m (£17.1m).
Rumours have also swirled surrounding Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who may be out of a job next summer if Die Mannschaft under-perform at the Euros, but he is not thought to be under serious consideration at this stage.
The same can be said of Tottenham Hotspur's Ange Postecoglou and Brentford's Thomas Frank, with neither manager's club concerned about losing them in the upcoming managerial merry-go-round.
Ben Knapton
