Liverpool on Rúben Amorim 'standby' as Fabrizio Romano issues 'internal discussions' update

The situation between Liverpool and Sporting Club de Portugal boss Rúben Amorim is on 'standby' currently. The 39-year-old had previously been tipped as one of the frontrunners to replace Jürgen Klopp at Anfield come the end of the season.

Amorim is now heavily linked with a move to the Premier League again, although it isn't with Liverpool. According to The Athletic, West Ham United is in 'talks' to appoint Amorim as David Moyes' successor, if the former Everton and Manchester United boss leaves East London soon.

The report goes on to claim that while the Hammers are also considering other options — including former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julian Lopetegui — Amorim is the 'ambitious' top target. A move to Liverpool is also appearing unlikely for the former Sporting Braga midfielder, as FSG's chief of football Michael Edwards continues the search for a new manager.

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Speaking to CaughtOffside, journalist Fabrizio Romano issued an update on the future of Amorim amid the links to both Liverpool and West Ham. “What I can say is that at the moment it’s on standby between Liverpool and Amorim," he said.

"Liverpool are still discussing internally, so we have to be patient and respect their timing. But Amorim never had an agreement done and sealed with Liverpool despite reports, that’s why everything is still open for the Portuguese manager.

“West Ham are really trying with important proposal and specific project with him as coach. There are also other candidates; Julen Lopetegui is one of them, but the race is open. For David Moyes, the expectation now is definitely for him to leave West Ham in the summer.”

Liverpool had previously targeted former midfielder Xabi Alonso for the role, although the Spaniard has since opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen following the historic Bundesliga-winning campaign. Elsewhere, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann was also linked with a potential move to Anfield but has now put pen to paper on a fresh deal with the national team until 2026.

Liverpool.com says: The options for Liverpool to choose from are slowly diminishing. As well as this, the Reds are also facing competition from other clubs — such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich and possibly Manchester United — which heaps even more pressure on the decision-making. If Liverpool wants to be able to compete across all fronts next season, Edwards will need to pull the trigger on the right decision — and soon.