Liverpool face competition from Premier League club who open talks over ambitious move to appoint Ruben Amorim as manager: Reports
Liverpool could reportedly miss out on Ruben Amorim to West Ham United who may look to replace David Moyes this summer.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that the Hammers have held talks over swooping for Amorim if Moyes departs. The Scottish coach's contract expires this summer and the west London outfit are yet to decide his future.
Amorim is high on their shortlist to replace Moyes and they've held discussions with the Sporting CP boss' entourage. The 39-year-old's stock has grown in Liga Portugal and he looks set to guide his side to the double this season.
Liverpool have also been linked with Amorim as Jurgen Klopp leaves Anfield at the end of the season. It's claimed that he isn't expected to be the preferred candidate in the race to replace Klopp.
Amorim has overseen 146 wins in 208 games in charge at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. He arrived in March 2020 and ended Sporting's 19-year wait for the Portuguese title a year later.
West Ham also have former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui on their shortlist should Moyes leave. The Spaniard has been out of management since parting ways with Wolves ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Liverpool legend Michael Owen talks up Unai Emery as a potential Jurgen Klopp replacement
Michael Owen has touted Unai Emery as a candidate to replace Klopp by glowingly assessing the Spanish coach. The former Liverpool striker has been impressed with the former Arsenal boss' work at Aston Villa.
Emery arrived at Villa Park in November 2022 and has propelled the west Midlands outfit into top four contenders. The Villains are in the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals and sit fourth in the Premier League.
Owen alluded to Emery not working with a massive budget compared to other managers. He told Premier League Productions:
“Some (managers) are brilliant on a shoe-string; if you give them money, they are not very good at spending it. Some can improve players. I think this guy certainly can, he has shown that."
Emery has won 11 major trophies during his managerial career. He's a master of the Europa League, winning the competition four times (three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal).
Owen hailed Emery as an all-round manager and alluded to his trophy success:
"Actually it feels like he is an all-round manager. I mean, he can win trophies as well. He has got a career littered with trophies. He is into a semi-final as well of a European competition, and he is incredible in Europe."
Emery's name hasn't been as heavily mentioned among Liverpool fans as a Klopp successor. The Spaniard has already tried his luck at a top-six club with Arsenal but endured a difficult spell at the Emirates.