Yahoo News 'Doesn't surprise me' - Liverpool sent exciting Ruben Amorim verdict as Sporting star's agent speaks out
The agent of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres says he isn't surprised that Ruben Amorim is being hotly tipped to become the next Liverpool manager.
Hasan Cetinkaya lauded the Portuguese tactician as his client enjoys a fruitful debut season in southern Europe after Sporing won the race to sign him from Coventry City during the summer. The 25-year-old has netted 36 times in all competitions, including 22 goals in 26 Liga Portugal matches.
Amorim was installed as the favourite to replace Klopp in the Anfield dugout after his shock announcement in January. Initially, Xabi Alonso stole a march to become the frontrunner but confessed his intentions to remain at Bayer Leverkusen as they edge closer to usurping Bayern Munich at the pinnacle of German football.
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This week, reports suggested that a verbal agreement was in place between Amorim and Liverpool. However, the ECHO understands that suggestions that he has signed a three-year contract on Merseyside are premature, with the process to recruit their next manager ongoing.
Liverpool are still identifying and researching a shortlist of feasible candidates and have yet to determine and formally act upon a preferred choice. With Sporting four points clear at the top and eyeing a second title win under the 39-year-old, Amorim has emerged as an attractive option for the Reds.
For Cetinkaya, the reports come as no surprise. He told ABola via Renascena: "It doesn't surprise me that Rúben is being linked to Liverpool, it's normal, his work is of a high level, it's what the clubs are looking for.
"Yes, it will be more difficult for Viktor to stay if Rúben Amorim leaves Sporting. Because Viktor came precisely because of Ruben. The day we met, I said to Ruben: 'here's my boy, he came to Sporting because of you."
Coventry reportedly earned £21million for the Sweden international after the Sky Blues came agonisingly close to earning promotion to the Premier League - losing to Luton Town in the playoff final. Mark Robins' side had to fend off interest throughout the campaign before Sporting won the race.
The 25-year-old's agent added: "There were eight clubs very interested in Viktor last summer. They all paid Coventry more than Sporting, they all paid Viktor more, they all paid a higher commission to the agent.
"And I brought him to Sporting because of Ruben Amorim, because I know his work and his work with the players. I chose Ruben because he is a coach at another level."
