'I want Rúben Amorim alternative at Liverpool but have transfer fear once Jürgen Klopp departs'

Jürgen Klopp is into his final stretch as Liverpool boss and could have just six matches left in charge, starting with the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Atalanta. The Reds have it all to do to reach the last four before returning to its Premier League title challenge at Fulham on Sunday.

Liverpool does still have a chance of ending the Klopp era with more silverware as the German boss prepares to bring the curtain down on his nine-year tenure. The search for his successor remains ongoing as Liverpool carries out extensive research and checks on possible candidates.

Sporting CP boss Rúben Amorim is leading the running but has been quick to play down links to Anfield, revealing this week that his son has even asked him to stay in Portugal.

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According to The Athletic, Julian Nagelsmann is another target. His Germany contract expires after the European Championships and he is thought to be eyeing a return to club management, with his agent claiming he has already held talks with multiple clubs.

Former Reds defender John Arne Riise believes Liverpool should be looking in the Premier League for its next manager though, and says Roberto De Zerbi would be his pick to take over. He told BoyleSports: "Liverpool's next manager depends on where the club wants to go.

"I love what De Zerbi has done at Brighton. He would be a good fit because he's so focused on being who he is, he doesn't change, he goes his own way. I would love to see him at Liverpool. Klopp's admiration for De Zerbi is a factor.

"Klopp, one way or another, will be giving the club some insight into how they should move forward and who they should look at and I believe De Zerbi is one of the top contenders and I'd be delighted to have him."

De Zerbi has already been linked with a host of other jobs this summer, with Spanish publication AS reporting that he is on Barcelona's radar to replace Xavi. He could also emerge as a target for Manchester United, if Erik ten Hag is sacked, according to ESPN.

Riise did express concerns over how Klopp's exit could impact the futures of several key players, with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold all out of contract in a year's time. He added: "There is always a risk of a Fergie-style decline once Klopp leaves.

"When a manager leaves, will all the players stay? Who is coming in? Having that connection means a lot to players, and will they stay when he leaves? Will they have the same belief when a new manager comes in?

"It doesn't always have to be the manager's fault, if the players just don't have the same feeling towards them. That's why the next manager is a huge step for the club."

Liverpool.com says: De Zerbi has done a decent job at Brighton and may well be moving on this summer, with a host of clubs considering the Italian. If Liverpool is looking for a talented young coach with Premier League experience, there is no one better placed. There is no doubt that Klopp's exit will impact his squad but the players he leaves behind should relish the challenge of working under a new boss.